Serum zinc, copper and magnesium levels in pulmonary tuberculosis cases

Abstract

Abstract: This study was planned to determine serum zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and magnesium (Mg) levels in pulmonary tuberculosis cases and to compare the results with the literature. For this purpose Zn, Cu, and Mg levels were measured in 141 sera (group A: 32 active pulmonary tuberculosis patients: group B: 38 pulmonary tuberculosis patients who had been administered antituberculosis therapy; group C: 38 tuberculosis cases who completed antituberculosis treatment; group D: 33 healthy controls). Serum Zn levels were 115.33±60.25 µg/dL; 122.03±60.32 µg/dL; 130.53±63.63 µg/dL, and 106.39±54.85 µg/dL in groups A,B,C, and D, respectively. The difference was significant between groups C and D (p<0.05). Cu, and Mg levels were similar in all groups.