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Serum selenium in acute infections.

K Sammalkorpi1, V Valtonen, G Alfthan

  • 1Aurora Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.

Infection
|July 1, 1988
PubMed
Summary

Serum selenium and iron levels significantly decrease during acute infections, regardless of the cause. These essential mineral levels recover after the infection resolves, suggesting a link to the immune system response.

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Area of Science:

  • Clinical Biochemistry
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Nutritional Immunology

Background:

  • Serum mineral concentrations can be affected by physiological changes.
  • Selenium and iron play crucial roles in immune function.
  • The impact of acute infections on serum selenium and iron is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate changes in serum selenium and iron concentrations during acute infections.
  • To compare these levels during acute infection, convalescence, and recovery.
  • To explore the relationship between serum mineral levels and infection severity.

Main Methods:

  • Serum samples were collected from 64 patients with viral or bacterial infections.
  • Measurements were taken during the acute infection, early convalescent phase, and after recovery (≥3 weeks).
  • Serum selenium and iron concentrations were quantified and compared across phases.

Main Results:

  • Both serum selenium and iron showed significant depressions during the acute phase of infection compared to recovery values.
  • Mean serum selenium decreased from 79.4 to 70.3 µg/l (p < 0.0001).
  • Mean serum iron decreased from 16.7 to 8.4 µg/l (p < 0.0001).
  • Serum selenium reduction did not correlate with infection severity (fever).

Conclusions:

  • Acute infections, irrespective of the causative agent (viral or bacterial), lead to a significant decrease in serum selenium and iron levels.
  • These mineral levels normalize after recovery from infection.
  • The findings highlight a potential connection between acute infections, mineral metabolism, and immune system function.

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