Serum zinc and copper levels in bilharzial patients.

Serum zinc and copper levels were determined for fifty cases with positive infestation of Schistosoma mansoni at Ismailia General Hospital. In the early infected cases, serum zinc and copper concentrations showed small alteration to lower and higher values, respectively, compared to the reference. Those with a long history of infection, serum zinc showed a big decrease in its concentration but serum copper showed a great extent of increasement in its level comparing to the reference values. The study recommended the administration of zinc dietary to counter balance the trace metals redistribution.