To assess the serum zinc and neutrophil function levels in different socioeconomic groups.

A total of 100 healthy subjects of 10-30 years of age, both male and female were investigated. Out of these, 50 (25 males and 25 females) belonged to the lower socioeconomic (LSEC) group and 50 (25 males and 25 females) belonged to the upper / upper middle socioeconomic (USEC) group. Serum zinc was determined by colorimetric method and neutrophil function was estimated by the Nitroblue Tetrazolium reduction test (NBT). Both the parameters were compared in the two socioeconomic (SEC) groups.

It was found that serum zinc was significantly lower in the LSEC group. Similarly NBT percentage phagocytosis was also significantly lower in the LSEC group as compared to the USEC group. NBT percentage phagocytosis did not show significant gender difference in the LSEC group, however it was significantly higher in females than in males in the USEC group. Generally a significant positive correlation was found between serum zinc and neutrophil phagocytic function.

The LSEC class has low serum zinc levels and low NBT percentage phagocytosis and hence is at greater risk of developing infections.