European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

SERUM LEVELS OF ZINC, COPPER, IRON, B12 & MAGNESIUM IN CHILDREN DIAGNOSED WITH GIARDIA INTESTINALIS AND ENTEROBIOSIS VERMICULARIS

*Dr. Anil Batta

ABSTRACT

Parasitic infections are highly prevalent in the general population. A relation between a parasitic infection and absorption of minerals is not an easy task. Serum levels of copper, B12, zinc, Iron and magnesium were prospectively measured in 60 children with intestinal parasitic infection. Thirty-nine children with Enterobius vermicularis were treated with pyrantel pamoate and 25 children with Giardia lamblia with tinidazole and metronidazole. Three months after treatment, significant differences in serum copper, zinc and magnesium were seen in patients with E. vermicularis infection and in serum magnesium levels in patients with G. lamblia. Although the pathogenic mechanism is not clear, these findings could reflect a deficiency related to malabsorption due to mucous affection. Early detection and treatment of intestinal parasitosis could avoid these serum mineral deficiencies. Thus, knowledge of eating habits nutritional value in tropical infectious zone is essential to fight effectively against infections and avoid the loops in course of infections or food intake. In this study we investigated about micronutrients as iron, copper, manganese and zinc. Overall, sauces showed a predominantly iron compared to zinc, manganese and copper; the mean content of iron in ingredients and sauces green leafy vegetables and other foods like fruits (P < 0.0001). Considering the exogenous origin of these micronutrients, and the effect of their interaction, it would be suitable to evaluate their content in other foods and to study their effects in the host-parasite interaction to avoid the loss and fight effectively against infections. Background: There are scant evidences between giardiasis and enterobiasis with human mal-absorption of micronutrient. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to found out the changes in the serum zinc, copper, magnesium and vitamin B12 levels in schoolchildren infected with Giardia intestinalis and Enterobius vermicularis. Patients and Methods: This case-control study was carried out among 60 children from aged 6 - 12 years old. Three stool examinations were done using standard techniques for identification parasitic infection. Fifty E. vermicularis and 37 G. lamblia infected individuals were enrolled as study groups. Serum levels of copper, zinc, magnesium were assessed by auto analyzer and vitamin B12 levels were measured using gamma counter. ANOVA and paired t-test analyses were used to determine the association between infections and trace elements changes. Results: The prevalence of G. intestinalis and E. vermicularis infections were 10.3% and 13.9%, respectively. The serum zinc, copper and magnesium levels showed a significant decrease in individuals infected with G. intestinalis and E. vermicularis (P < 0.05). Mean values of Giardia positive and negative groups for copper 143.65 ± 16.51 and 176.26 ± 17.6μg/dL, zinc 62.26 ± 16.06 and 80.66 ± 23.58 μg/dL and magnesium 1.82 ± 0.23 and 2.01 ± 0.16 mg/dL, respectively. Mean values of Enterobius positive and negative groups for copper 145.55 ± 26.84 and 176.26 ± 17.6 μg/dL, zinc 72.7 ± 17.92 and 80.66 ± 23.58 μg/dL and magnesium 1.93 ± 0.11 and 2.01 ± 0.16 mg/dL, respectively.

Keywords: Giardia intestinalis and Enterobius vermicularis.