Comparative study of serum copper, zinc, Cu/Zn ratio in pulmonary tuberculosis patients with normal subjects

• Author Details:   
• Karthik G
• Shantha kumari N.
• Nataraj B

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is an important global health problem. It has more impact on developing and underdeveloped countries. The impact of tuberculosis can be seen by the fact that in 1993, the world Health Organization (WHO) declared tuberculosis a Global Emergency. WHO estimated that tuberculosis infects about one-third of world’s population. Every year, 8 million people contract tuberculosis, of which 95% are in the developing world.¹
Aims and Objectives: To estimate and compare serum Copper, Zinc levels, and Cu/Zn ratio in newly detected pulmonary tuberculosis patients with healthy volunteers. To estimate Total Protein and Albumin levels to rule out hypoproteinemia.
Materials and Methods: The study included 40 newly detected sputum positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients and 40 healthy volunteers. Serum copper and zinc was estimated by colorimetric method using RA-50 semi autoanalyser. Total protein was estimated by biuret method and Albumin, by bromocresol green method using automated analyser.
Results and Conclusions: There was a significant increase in serum copper levels in pulmonary tuberculosis patients when compared to control group (P<0>)

Keywords: Pulmonary Tuberculosis, Copper, Zinc, Cu/Zn Ratio, Total Protein, Albumin