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SAR Journal of Pathology and Microbiology
Volume-7 | Issue-02
Original Research Article
Maternal Micronutrient Alterations Associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection Following Cesarean and Vaginal Delivery
Noor M. Al-Humaidy
Published : March 3, 2026
DOI : https://doi.org/10.36346/sarjpm.2026.v07i02.004
Abstract
Background: There is micronutrients including vitamin D, zinc, and iron which are important as they are involved in immune regulation, control of inflammatory conditions, and defence of the host against bacterial infections. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen and is able to take advantage of host micronutrient imbalances by using nutritional immunity mechanisms. The physiological stress and inflammatory reaction that may occur after the birth of a child can cause postpartum women, especially following cesarean section, to have an impact on micronutrient status. Nevertheless, there is not much information on the joint effect of delivery mode and P. aeruginosa infection on the biochemical profiles of the mothers. Aim: The aim of the study was to compare the impacts of the type of delivery and confirmed infection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection on serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, zinc, iron, and calcium in women aged 3045 years in Thi-Qar Governorate, Iraq. Methods: The study involved a comparative cross-sectional study that was controlled and used a total of 400 study participants split into four groups (n=100 each): CS+INF (cesarean section with infection), CS-INF (cesarean section without infection), VD + INF (vaginal delivery with infection), and VD-INF (vaginal delivery without infection). All participants with the infection were confirmed by laboratory tests to have P. aeruginosa infection. Women who have chronic illnesses or are currently on micronutrient supplementation were not allowed. Blood samples (venous blood) were collected and serum 25 (OH)D (ng/mL), zinc (mu g/dL), iron (mu g/dL), and total calcium (mg/dL) measured. Data were presented as the means and SD and measured with the help of the Two-Way ANOVA to evaluate the impact on infection status and delivery mode, as well as their interaction. A p-value less than 0.05 was taken to be statistically significant. Results The concentration of vitamin D, zinc, and iron was significantly lower among the infected groups than the non-infected groups. The lowest levels were always in the CS+INF group (25(OH)D: 13.5 +5.5 ng/mL; zinc: 69 +12 ug/dl; iron: 47 +18 ug/dl). Vaginal delivery in an uninfected (VD-INF) status had the most micronutrient level (25(OH)D: 24.0 ± 8.0 ng/mL; zinc: 92 ± 15 µg/dL; iron: 85 ± 25 µg/dL). Iron level was found to be affected by both infection and mode of delivery whereas those of vitamin D and zinc were related mostly to the state of infection. There was very little difference in total calcium levels between groups and all were within the physiological ranges of reference. Conclusions: Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection is linked to massive losses in the levels of serum vitamin D, zinc and iron amongst women who have given birth. Cesarean birth could also contribute to iron deficiency, probably because of a combination of both the inflammatory and surgical conditions. Calcium homeostasis does not seem to be affected. The given findings underscore the need to monitor micronutrient status of postpartum women who had an infected past especially those who undergo cesarean section in order to promote immune functioning and recovery.

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