ALTERATION IN THE LEVEL OF SOME TRACE ELEMENTS IN THE SERA OF PATIENTS WITH KALA AZAR

Abstract

Background: Visceral leishmaniasis (Kala-azar) is an important endemic disease in Iraq (WHO 2000) .The disease appears to affect infants and young children mostly under 2 years old .The disease is very dangerous and fatal if it is left without treatment .Trace elements have an important role in the treatment and prognosis of different types of parasitic infectionObjective: Study the relationship between serum trace elements and the disease which may be used as an indicator of the course of the diseaseMethods: 14 male and 12 female patients (positive IFAT) their age were between 6 months and 15 years were used in this study .Serum copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and magnesium were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometer.Results: There is a significant increase (p<0.05) in serum Cu and significant decrease in serum Zn of kala-azar patients.Conclusions: Body reaction against parasite infection is associated with different changes in serum level of trace elements. Keywords: kala-azar, trace elements, copper, zinc, magnesium, visceral leishmaniasis