Zinc Deficiency Linked to Higher Risk of Deadly Lung Infections

A study led by researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and published in *Nature Microbiology* unveils a significant link between **dietary zinc deficiency** and increased susceptibility to lung infections caused by the drug-resistant bacterium *Acinetobacter baumannii*. This bacterium is a leading cause of ventilator-associated pneumonia, prevalent in healthcare settings. The study identifies the **pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-13 (IL-13)** as a key factor in enhancing the severity of these infections. Specifically, the study showed that zinc-deficient mice had a higher bacterial burden, and the infection spread to the spleen with increased mortality. Intriguingly, blocking IL-13 was found to be protective against death caused by the bacteria in these models. The team, led by Lauren Palmer, successfully demonstrated that administration of anti-IL-13 antibodies, already FDA-approved for other conditions like severe asthma, prevented the spread of infection in zinc-deficient models. This finding opens the door for potential personalized treatment strategies for patients with zinc deficiency, notably those critically ill or elderly, who are at higher risk for such infections. The study adds to a body of evidence suggesting nutrient deficiencies can drive immune response changes linked to increased infection risk.