Effects of treatment on free radicals in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in South Western Nigeria.

Background : Formation of Malondialdehyde (MDA), a free radical, in Tuberculosis patients does occur when Tubercule bacilli induces reactive oxygen species as a result of phagocytic respiratory burst. Objectives : This study evaluated the effect of treatment on plasma level of Malondialdehyde among patients infected with Mycobacterium Tuberculosis in Osogbo South Western Nigeria. Methodology : Descriptive cross sectional study among 110 patients, grouped into four categories (three TB patient categories and controls). All patients were screened for presence or absence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in their sputum and HIV 1 & 2 in their blood using standard techniques. The level of free radical (Malondialdehyde, MDA) was determined by Thiobabituric acid reacting method. Data was analyzed using the SPSS software version 17.0 Results : Serum Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly lower in TB patients on drugs (TBD) compared with the new cases on treatment (NCT). (0.17+0.88mol/L Vs 0.27+0.08mol/L, p<0.05). Varying degrees of correlations were also found between free radicals and electrolytes. Conclusion : Reduced serum MDA levels in TBD suggested a reduction in the levels of free radical injury once treatment was commenced. Therefore serum free radical may be an index of monitoring response to treatment in tuberculosis management. Keywords : Free radicals, malondialdehyde (MDA), mycobacterium tuberculosis, reactive oxygen species, tubercule bacilli, electrolytes.