Assessment of total antioxidant status of pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Ekpoma and Irrua, Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most common infectious diseases globally. This study was carried out to assess the total antioxidant status of pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Ekpoma and Irrua, Edo State, Nigeria. A total of 140 individuals (males and females), comprising 50 newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis patients yet to be placed on drug, 50 old cases that are on drugs and control group consisting of 40 apparently healthy individuals of the same age range (16-55) with the subjects were investigated. Serum total antioxidant status (TAS) was determined using standard method. The mean ± SD values newly diagnosed patients’ TAS (1.03±0.09), mean ± SD values of old cases’ TAS (1.20±0.13) and the controls’ TAS (1.63±0.10) were compared. The analysis showed a significant difference (p<0.05) in the value of TAS (1.03±0.09) of new cases when compared with both controls (1.63±0.10) and old cases (1.20±0.13). There was a significant difference (p<0.05) between old cases (1.03±0.09) and control individuals (1.63±0.10). The results of this study have shown that total antioxidants status is significantly reduced in pulmonary tuberculosis patients that may be associated with high levels of free radicals and oxidative stress. This study has also shown that total antioxidant can be improved with appropriate therapy.