Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 25, 2026
Synthesis, Characterization, and Application of Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoprobes for Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis Detection
Published on: February 16, 2020
Diagnostic Accuracy of Interleukin 27 for the Diagnosis of Pleural Tuberculosis
Majid Marjani1, Amir Reza Aghebatkheyri1, Neda Dalil Roofchayee1,2
1Clinical Tuberculosis and Epidemiology Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Background:
Pleural tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most common forms of extra-pulmonary TB. Since diagnosis is challenging through microbiological tests, discovering new diagnostic techniques with higher accuracy could help us improve early detection and lead to better outcomes. This study aims to investigate the sensitivity and specificity of interleukin 27 (IL27) as a diagnostic test for pleural Tuberculosis.
Materials And Methods:
The current study was conducted on 121 adult patients admitted to Masih Daneshvari Ho spital due to pleural effusion with an unknown cause. 36 cases had transudative, and 85 cases had exudative pleural effusions. Among them, TB (33.1%) and malignant pleurisy (23.1%) were the most common causes. In addition to routine studies for pleural effusion workups, pleural interleukin-27 concentrations were measured by ELISA and compared between groups of TB-affected patients and those without TB.
Results:
We found that the value 679 pg/ml was the most appropriate cut-off threshold for interleukin 27 in pleural fluid with 95% sensitivity, 69% specificity, 94% negative predictive value, and 73% positive predictive value (P value<0.001) for diagnosis of TB pleurisy. ADA levels were not significantly different between TB and non-TB cases.
Conclusion:
Compared to other groups, interleukin 27 levels in patients with a final diagnosis of TB-pleurisy were significantly higher, indicating the significant value of this interleukin as a diagnostic biomarker.
Insights
Interleukin 27 (IL27) shows promise as a diagnostic biomarker for pleural tuberculosis (TB). Elevated IL27 levels in pleural fluid can help accurately identify TB pleurisy, improving early detection.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Pleural tuberculosis (TB) is a common extrapulmonary form of TB.
- Diagnosing pleural TB is challenging due to limitations in microbiological tests.
- Novel diagnostic techniques are needed for improved early detection and patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the diagnostic accuracy of interleukin 27 (IL27) for pleural tuberculosis.
- To determine the sensitivity and specificity of IL27 as a biomarker for TB pleurisy.
Main Methods:
- A study was conducted on 121 adult patients with unexplained pleural effusion.
- Pleural fluid IL27 concentrations were measured using ELISA.
- IL27 levels were compared between patients with and without TB pleurisy.
Main Results:
- A cut-off threshold of 679 pg/ml for IL27 demonstrated 95% sensitivity and 69% specificity for diagnosing TB pleurisy.
- The negative and positive predictive values were 94% and 73%, respectively (P<0.001).
- Adenosine deaminase (ADA) levels did not significantly differ between TB and non-TB cases.
Conclusions:
- Interleukin 27 levels were significantly higher in patients with TB pleurisy compared to other groups.
- IL27 is a valuable diagnostic biomarker for identifying TB pleurisy.
- This finding supports the potential of IL27 for early and accurate diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
01:31Pulmonary Tuberculosis III
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
01:30Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment