Zinc Deficiency Linked to Increased Risk of Acinetobacter Lung Infections: Key Study Insights

Dietary zinc deficiency increases the risk of lung infections caused by Acinetobacter baumannii, which is a major cause of ventilator-associated pneumonia. A new study from Vanderbilt University Medical Center, published on November 15 in Nature Microbiology, highlights this issue.

Researchers discovered a link between the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-13 (IL-13) and A. baumannii lung infections. They found that blocking IL-13 could prevent death from these infections in animal models. This research suggests that FDA-approved anti-IL-13 antibodies could help patients with zinc deficiency at risk of bacterial pneumonia.

Dr. Eric Skaar, a key researcher, stated, “This is the first study showing that neutralizing IL-13 could prevent mortality from a bacterial infection.” This finding supports using anti-IL-13 therapy for patients with zinc deficiency and A. baumannii pneumonia.

Zinc deficiency affects nearly 20% of the global population and can weaken immune function, making it a significant risk factor for pneumonia. The World Health Organization lists it as a leading cause of disease and death.

Patients particularly at risk for zinc deficiency include critically ill and elderly individuals. Those in healthcare settings, especially ventilator users, catheter patients, and individuals in intensive care or prolonged hospital stays, face the highest risk. A. baumannii increasingly resists antimicrobial treatments, posing a public health threat.

Researchers studied the effects of dietary zinc deficiency on A. baumannii infections using a mouse model. They found that zinc-deficient mice had higher bacterial levels in their lungs and spleens, leading to increased mortality. These mice produced more IL-13 during infection. Additionally, administering IL-13 to mice with sufficient zinc worsened the spread of A. baumannii. However, treating zinc-deficient mice with anti-IL-13 antibodies helped protect them from infection-related death.

The study reinforces the connection between nutrient deficiencies and IL-13 production, suggesting that IL-13 could increase the risk of hospital-associated lung infections. Dr. Skaar emphasized the need to explore IL-13 as a treatment target.

The study’s co-corresponding authors are Dr. Lauren Palmer and Dr. Eric Skaar. They were joined by other researchers, including Dr. Zachery Lonergan and Dr. Kelli Boyd. The research received support from the National Institutes of Health through various grants.