Biological Role of Trace Elements and Viral Pathologies

The review presents summarized information on a new research avenue in biogeochemistry and geochemical ecology: relationships between the microcosm (viruses) and manifestations of animal and human pathologies. Some aspects of the biological action of selenium, zinc, copper and iodine, their influence on the manifestation and course of viral infections are considered. Attention is focused on the antioxidant, membrane-protective, boosting immunity, hormonal functions of trace elements, and on the antibacterial and antiviral properties of metallic copper and its compounds. The criteria currently applied in assessing the Se status of territories are compared with the incidence of COVID-19 and HIV in the population of the Russian Federation. In some cases, selenium deficiency in the environment is shown to be associated with a higher susceptibility to RNA viral infections. Emphasis is put on the necessity of improving the criteria for assessing the trace element status of territories and further studies in the geochemical ecology of viruses and their role in the biosphere.