Tuberculosis (TB) is a well-known disease state caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The disease accounts for about 1.5 million deaths worldwide and is transmitted from person to person by the inhalation of respiratory droplets. The progression of tuberculosis from the latent phase to its active form has been reported to be associated with reduced immunity and occurs in about 10% of tuberculosis-infected population. Trace elements play a vital role in the maintenance of the immune system in humans, and therefore their concentration in the serum is important in the management of TB patients. The primary objective of this study was therefore to assess the serum concentrations of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) in tuberculosis patients and compare the results obtained against apparently healthy subjects as well as to compare the concentrations of trace element levels in TB patients already on antituberculosis drugs against those not yet exposed to antituberculosis drugs. A total of 62 TB patients were selected, and their blood samples were collected while controls were taken from 20 apparently healthy individuals. The results obtained showed that the serum concentration of the trace elements Zn and Cu was significantly lower and higher for Mn (1.58±1.09 mg/l, 1.17±0.16 mg/l and 0.78±0.11 mg/l, respectively) in the control than in tuberculosis patients (2.59±1.79 mg/l, 1.64±0.47 mg/l, and 0.25±0.35 mg/l). However, those on drugs had higher Zn and Cu levels than those not on drugs. It was therefore concluded and recommended that further studies should be carried out to ascertain the mechanism of action of antituberculosis drugs and their specific effects on serum trace elements of immunological significance, to improve the care for tuberculosis patients.
