Archives of Clinical Infectious Diseases
Micronutrients such as zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) have a modulatory effect on immune system. Altered serum concentrations of these nutrients have been described in patients with specific disease conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum Zn and Cu level alterations in patients with brucellosis in comparison with healthy individuals.
Serum Zn and Cu level of 43 patients with brucellosis (34 men and 9 women) were compared with 43 matched healthy controls. Serum micronutrient concentrations were measured by automatic absorptive spectrophotometry.
Mean serum Cu concentration was significantly higher in subjects with brucellosis when compared with agematched healthy controls (p<0.05). Mean serum Zn level was decreased in female patients compared with controls (p<0.05), however, there was no significant difference between male patients and controls.
Serum Zn and Cu concentrations may alter in patients with brucellosis during the period of infection. Further studies are needed to determine whether these micronutrients have an effect on disease severity and outcome. Measuring serum Cu level may be suggested as a complementary screening tool for brucellosis.
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