Serum tocopheral levels in brucellosis

ABSTRACT

The levels of various isomers of Tocopherol, a known effecter molecule influencing immune response of host to infectious agents, in sera of patients with brucellosis were measured by utilising high pressure liquid chromatographic techniques and compared with matched controls. Analysis of the results obtained revealed that in patients with brucellosis, serum levels of tocopherol were either markedly reduced or totally absent. These results suggest that the observed decrease or total lack of tocopherol in patients with brucellosis may result in an increase in the invasive disease causing ability of infecting organism, consequently promoting its survival in the host