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Alteration in the levels of serum micronutrients in tuberculosis patients

Authors:Rohini K, Srikumar P S, Jyoti Saxena, Mahesh Kumar A
Int J Biol Med Res. 2013; 4(1): 2958-2961  |  PDF File

Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis, a severe bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, compromises the immune system. Inadequate intake of micronutrients alters the immune response of the host predisposing to infection. The aim of the present study was to assess the influence of vitamins and trace elements on immunity status in patients with tuberculosis. Methods: In this study, forty patients diagnosed with tuberculosis on the basis of history, clinical examination, chest radiography, sputum examination and related laboratory parameters were recruited from The Institute of Thoracic Medicine and were compared with age and sex matched healthy volunteers (n=35). Zinc, selenium, iron, vitamins A, E, haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin levels in serum were determined. Results: Levels of vitamins A, E, trace elements, zinc, selenium and iron were significantly low (p<0.001) in tuberculosis patients. Haptoglobin and ceruloplasmin levels were found to be increased significantly (p<0.001) when compared with normal healthy volunteers. Conclusion: The results indicate that TB patients have altered profile of micronutrients in their sera and this could be more due to the active disease rather than underlying deficiencies. However, the authors suggest additional research with randomized controlled trials to validate or refute the presence of underlying micronutrient deficiencies in tuberculosis.