Abstract:
Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is still remains one of the main health problems globally.
Based on the 2013 WHO report there are 8.6 million new TB cases per year. In Ethiopia, TB
is responsible for major hospital admission and death like other TB endemic areas. Micro
nutrients and immune status are the main determinate factors of the incidence and the severity
of the disease in TB patients.
Objective: The main objective of this study was to determine serum zinc level and some
immunological variables such as Albumin level, CD4, CD8 monocyte and neutrophil in
newly diagnosed TB patients and healthy control group in Ethiopia.
Methods: A comparative cross- section study design was conducted from February to May
2014. Blood samples were taken from TB patients and controls for CD4, CD8, monocyte and
neutrophil determination. Zinc and albumin were determined in serum. Stool sample was
collected and examined for intestinal parasites microscopically using Formal ether
concentration technique.
Results: A total of 50 TB patients and 50 controls were included in the study. Among TB
patients 12(24%) were females and 38(76%) were males. The mean age of the study
participants was 29.96±9.27 with a range of 18-57years. The mean levels of serum zinc TB
Vs controls, (p=0.026), albumin of TB Vs control, (p<0.001) and CD4 of TB Vs control,
(p=0.007) of TB patients were significantly lower than the controls. The mean Neutrophil TB
Vs control, (p= 0.021) and monocyte levels TB Vs control, (p= 0.019) were higher in TB
patients compared to controls. Age, gender, and TB types didn’t show statistical association
with serum zinc, albumin, CD4, neutrophil and monocyte levels. But, CD4 level was
significantly associated with HIV infection. Increased levels of monocyte and CD8 level
were associated with Hook worm and schistosoma mansoni parasites, respectively.
Conclusion: The low level of zinc and other immunological parameters in TB patients
signify their role and importance to combat TB infection. An interventional study with
appropriate sample size and design is warranted to clearly show the role of micronutrient
during TB infection.
