Investigation into plasma levels in selenium and glutathione in smear-positive adult tuberculosis patients and healthy controls in the Mangochi district, Malawi

Abstract

Results The cases had significantly lower plasma concentrations of selenium than the controls, but there were no significant differences in plasma concentrations of glutathione between the two groups. Body mass index was significantly lower in the case group compared with the control group. No relationship was found between Body mass index and selenium levels in both groups whereas an association was found between Body mass index and glutathione in the two groups. Regarding clinical presentation, most patients experienced cough and fever and all lost weight. Mean duration of cough was 7 weeks and more than 60% had a high number of bacilla in their sputum tests. Very weak association was found between selenium and glutathione and clinical presentation. No difference was found in socio-economic status between cases and controls. There was no difference in food intake of selenium and cysteine in the two groups. Lower levels of plasma selenium in TB patients can be connected to altered digestion absorption and/or increased oxidative stress rather than lower food intake.