Abstract
Malnutrition is observed frequently in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), but their micronutrient status, especially of Vitamin A and Zinc, is still poorly documented. The objective of this study was to investigate the micronutrient status of patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis, admitted in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, CSM Medical University UP, Lucknow. In this case-control study, 43 patients aged 18-55 year with active pulmonary TB were enrolled and blood sample was taken. Cases had clinical and radiographic abnormalities consistent with pulmonary TB and at least two sputum specimens showing acid-fast bacilli. Micronutrient status data were collected. Compared with healthy control cases, TB patients had significantly lower concentrations of blood haemoglobin, WBC count, serum albumin, serum retinol and zinc, whereas the concentration of free erythrocyte zinc protoporphyrin concentration, was greater. In conclusion, the micronutrient status of patients with active pulmonary TB was poor compared with healthy subjects. Low concentrations of haemoglobin and of serum retinol and zinc were more pronounced in malnourished TB patients.