Role of Micronutrient Zinc in Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Addressing malnutrition is among the many challenges in the effective control of tuberculosis. The nutritional status of micronutrients is poorly standardized. Zinc being one of the most vital micronutrients, it is taken up for study. This study is to analyze the status of Zinc in the serum of pulmonary tuberculosis patients. The levels of serum Zinc is measured and documented in freshly diagnosed and completely treated cases of pulmonary tuberculosis and compared with the levels of apparently healthy individuals in this study. Group I-50 Newly diagnosed tuberculosis patients. Group II-50 Known Tuberculosis patients who have completed Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment. Group III-50 healthy individuals. Serum levels of zinc were measured by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Group I showed a significant decrease in the mean level of serum zinc (39.76+20.27) as compared to controls (86.42+16.51, p=0.001). There was no significant difference in the mean Zinc (p=0.415) levels between group II and group III. Zinc deficiency status observed in tuberculosis patients may be an aggravating factor for detrimental consequences. Therefore nutritional assessment and Zinc supplementation may represent a novel approach for fast recovery in tuberculosis patients.