The Relationship between zinc and copper in children with malaria
1Caroline A. Okoli and 2Mariam Solomon
1Research Laboratory Unit, Department of Paediatrics University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
2Department of Biochemistry, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
Email: caroalph@yahoo.com, danladis2003@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND
Zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) are among the most important trace elements that are required for proper growth and health.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect Zn and Cu have on each other in children with malaria in order to deduce whether the serum levels of zinc and copper could play a role in the pathogenesis of malaria.
HYPOTHESIS
There will be a significant negative relationship between zinc and copper in children with malaria.
METHOD
The blood samples of 600 children aged zero to18years from various hospitals in Jos were analyzed for; malaria parasite (MP) using Giemsa staining technique and zinc and copper using colorimetric method.
RESULT
There was a non-significant positive relationship between zinc and copper in children with malaria (p=0.607). The strength of the relationship was beta=0.030. There was a significant negative relationship between zinc and copper in the control children (p=0.003). The strength of the relationship was beta =-0.159. Using the beta function of the model to compare the strength of the effect of the micronutrients on each other, it was discovered that zinc and copper have a stronger effect in the control subjects (beta=-0.159) than in the parasitaemic children (beta=0.030). There was a significant positive relationship between parasite density and serum zinc and copper levels (p=0.000).