Micronutrients Imbalance in Tuberculosis: A Comparative Study of Zinc and Copper in Multidrug Resistant and Drug-Sensitive Pulmonary Tuberculosis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35845/abms.2026.1.498Keywords:
Zinc,, Copper,, Pulmonary Tuberculosis, MDR-TB, Drug-Sensitive TB, Trace ElementsAbstract
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the differences in serum copper, zinc levels and Cu/Zn ratio between individuals who have multi-drug resistant pulmonary tuberculosis and those with drug-sensitive Tuberculosis.
METHODOLOGY
The confirmed cases of TB- DS (group A) and TB-MDR (group B) were compared cross-sectionally. Venous blood samples were collected under aseptic conditions, and copper & zinc levels were measured in serum by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Statistical analysis was performed to assess differences between the two groups.
RESULTS
A statistically notable decrease (P < 0.001) was observed in the serum zinc levels in group B as compared to group A. The Cu/Zn ratio was increased in group B (1.09) compared to group A (0.71). The difference in the case of serum copper among the groups was not significant.
CONCLUSION
Patients with TB- MDR exhibited significantly lower zinc levels and a higher Cu/Zn ratio than drug-sensitive TB patients, reflecting impaired antioxidant status.
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