(See the major article by Ong et al on pages 1500–8.) When we think about trace elements and bacterial virulence, iron is usually the first metal that comes up. Zinc, although often forgotten, is the second most abundant trace element, after iron, in humans. Plasma concentrations of zinc range between 12 and 16 µM, and practically all zinc is bound to albumin or other proteins [1]. Zinc is found at low levels on mucosal surfaces; in sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage the zinc concentration is about 1 µM. Zinc deficiency is associated with susceptibility to infectious diseases, such as otitis media or those causing diarrhea. Several studies suggest that zinc supplementation may lower the risk of these infections [1–3]. This supplementation is especially relevant in undernourished children. Zinc is thought to be important in the control of immune reactions and defense against bacteria. In humans, zinc levels increase during inflammation and infection in some body compartments, whereas plasma levels actually may decrease [1]. This shift is presumably caused by redistribution of plasma zinc to the liver, where zinc transporters are upregulated. The liver also produces zinc-binding metallothioneins, which are intracellular proteins functioning in metal storage and transport.
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Hanna Jarva (2014) studied this question.