Evaluation of some trace elements (zinc, chromium, cadmium and manganese) in patients with active tuberculosis attending central hospital Benin city, Edo state

Abstract

Throughout the world, tuberculosis (TB) infection is on the increase and it has remained one of the most important causes of death among adults in developing countries. This study evaluated the serum concentrations of some trace elements -Zinc (Zn), Manganese (Mn), Chromium (Cr) and Cadmium (Cd), in 100 blood samples; comprising sixty (60) active TB patients (test subjects) and forty (40) apparently healthy individuals (control). Serum concentrations of the elements were determined with an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer, and the results showed significantly (P<0.05) lower concentrations of Zn, Mn and Cr, but significantly (P<0.05) higher levels of Cd in patients with TB than those of the control. In relation to sex, there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in Zn and Mn concentrations in TB patients, but a significant difference (P<0.05) was observed for Cr and Cd in the male and female subjects studied. On age, there was no significant difference (p<0.05) in the concentrations of Mn and Cd across the age groups studied, but an age dependent decrease in Cr and increase in Cd, was observed in both gender. Our results suggest that Zn, Mn and Cr concentrations are reduced in TB patients, while serum Cd level is increased.

Key words: Infectious disease, Serum concentration, Tuberculosis, Trace elements