Serum Zinc and Copper Levels in Children with Plasmodium falciparum Infection in Nigeria

Background: An estimated 2 million children die of malaria yearly, primarily because of Plasmodium falciparum and its complications. Plasmodium falciparum infection could lead to imbalance in micronutrient levels. Micronutrients such as zinc and copper are essential for immune functions. In this study, we determined the baseline serum zinc and copper levels of children with or without malaria in Jos, Nigeria. This is essential because its result will give us a proper insight whether there is a need for a further study on zinc supplementation in these patients or not.

Study Design: This was an analytical case-control study.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted between August and November 2011 in various hospitals in Jos, North Central Nigeria.

Methodology: The blood samples of 600 children aged zero to18 years from various hospitals in Jos were analyzed for malaria parasite (MP), zinc, copper, albumin and total protein. All statistical analysis were done using SPSS version 17. The results were expressed as means, standard deviation and percentages.

Result: Out of 600 children, 306(51%) had malaria infection. Three hundred and thirteen (52.2%) were females. The overall prevalence of malaria was 51% while that of congenital and neonatal malaria were 2.0% and 1.5% respectively There was no significant difference in the serum zinc and copper levels of children with or without malaria (p=0.404 and p=0.559). Serum zinc and copper levels were significantly higher in males (p=0.001). There was a significant positive relationship between parasite density and serum zinc and copper levels (p=000). Serum zinc, copper levels and temperature were not predictors of malaria.

Conclusion: There was no significant difference in the serum zinc and copper levels of children with or without malaria. This implies that there may not be need to supplement children with malaria with zinc or copper, as this may not be necessary in solving the menace of malaria morbidity.