Micronutrient levels and their effect on the prognosis of visceral leishmaniasis treatment; a prospective cohort study.

Abstract Background: Micronutrients are minerals and vitamins required in small amounts, and they are essential for normal physiological activities. The objectives of the study were to describe the progress and determinants of micronutrients level and to assess the effect of micronutrients in the treatment outcomes. Methods: A prospective cohort study was implemented. The data were collected using interviews, measuring anthropometric indicators, collecting blood, urine, and stool samples from each patient. The blood samples were collected five times: before starting anti-leishmaniasis treatments, in the first week, in the second week, in the third week, and in the 4th week of anti-leishmaniasis treatments. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the profile of patients and to compare the treatment success rate of visceral leishmaniasis patients. The generalized estimating equation was used to identify the determinants of serum micronutrients.Results: The serum zinc level of visceral leishmaniasis patients was affected by alcohol, DDS, family size, HIV, and sex. The serum iron level of visceral leishmaniasis patients were affected by alcohol, family size, malaria, hookworm, chronic diseases, and HIV. The serum selenium level of visceral leishmaniasis patients was affected by HIV and family size. The iodine level of visceral leishmaniasis patients was affected by HIV, DDS, smoking, chronic illness, and regular physical exercise. The serum vitamin D level of visceral leishmaniasis patients was affected by HIV, alcohol, chronic illness, DDS, malaria, family size, age, residence, and MUAC. The serum vitamin D level of visceral leishmaniasis patients was affected by BMI, DDS, malaria, hookworm, family size, HIV, and age. Conclusion: The Micronutrient levels of visceral leishmaniasis patients were significantly low. Anti-leishmaniasis treatment did not increase the serum micronutrient levels of the patients.