Estimation of Serum Trace Element Levels in Newly Diagnosed Drug-sensitive and Drug-resistant Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients in Oyo State, Nigeria

Objective: This study investigates the interplay between specific trace elements particularly —zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and selenium (Se)—in newly diagnosed drug-sensitive tuberculosis (DSTB) and drug-resistant tuberculosis (DRTB) patients compared to a control group without tuberculosis admitted in selected health facilities in Oyo State, Nigeria. Methodology: Over the course of four months, from March to June 2024, and after applying the exclusion criteria such as chronic illness, immune suppressive drugs among others, a total of 156 participants, aged 18 years and above, were recruited from various tuberculosis Direct Observation and Treatment (DOT) centers and outpatient clinics across the state. Serum samples of study participants who were categorized as DRTB (52 subjects), DSTB (52 subjects) and non-TB (52 subjects) were analyzed for selenium, copper, iron and zinc levels using atomic absorption spectrometry. Using structured questionnaire, information on the socio-demography (e.g. age, gender, access to potable water, food etc.) of the participants were also analyzed to see the relationship with trace elements. Descriptive (frequency, mean, standard deviation) and inferential (analysis of variance Turkey’s HSD post hoc, Pearson’s correlation coefficient) analysis was performed to compare variation of trace elements in different health conditions. Significant level was considered at P<0.05. Results: Zn, Fe, Se and Cu concentrations of Control group and tuberculosis patients were statistically significant P<0.001 and extremely weak positive correlation existed in elements within the same study groups with no statistical significant P>0.05 except in iron and copper of DRTB P<0.05. Conclusion: The study reveals that, compared to non-TB, low levels of serum zinc, iron, copper and selenium are linked to DSTB with more deficiencies associated with drug-resistant tuberculosis (DRTB). This study highlights that the mentioned micronutrients might act as valuable biomarkers for assessing tuberculosis severity, by distinguishing between DSTB and DRTB at the diagnostic stage.