Serum copper and zinc concentrations in patients with brucellosis

The aim of this study was to measure the alterations in serum trace element concentrations, including zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) in patients with brucellosis and to compare them with the results of healthy individuals. Seventy-five subjects, 60 patients with brucellosis and 15 healthy individuals were included in this study. The serum Zn and Cu concentrations were measured by using atomic absorbtion spectrophotometer in sera of patients with brucellosis and statistically compared with those of healthy individuals. Serum Cu concentration was found to be significantly higher in patients with brucellosis than that of healthy individual (130.5 +/- 24.7, 96 +/- 8.65 mug/dl, respectively) (p < 0.01). Serum Zn concentration was tower in patients with brucellosis than those of healthy subjects (79.5 +/- 13.5 and 83 +/- 5.59 mug/dl, respectively) (p < 0.01). Serum trace element concentrations showed significant alterations in patients with brucellosis compared with healthy subjects. (C) 2004 The British Infection Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.