Lower plasma levels of selenium and glutathione in smear-positive tuberculosis patients in Malawi

Abstract

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate selenium and glutathione levels in pulmonary tuberculosis patients and controls in Malawi.

Methods: The case-control study included 19 patients and 15 apparently healthy controls for whom, levels of selenium and glutathione were measured.

Results: The plasma selenium levels were significantly lower in tuberculosis patients compared with the controls (p = 0.02).

Conclusion: No significant differences were observed for the plasma glutathione levels (p = 0.39). [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2011;25 (3):230-232]