Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Detection of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Haematological Malignancy Patients by using Lateral-flow Technology
08:01

Detection of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Haematological Malignancy Patients by using Lateral-flow Technology

Published on: March 22, 2012

Ascitic fluid gamma interferon concentrations and adenosine deaminase activity in tuberculous peritonitis

M A Sathar1, A E Simjee, Y M Coovadia

  • 1Department of Medicine, University of Natal, King Edward VIII Hospital, Durban, South Africa.

Gut
|March 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

High concentrations of gamma interferon (gamma-IFN) and adenosine deaminase (ADA) in ascitic fluid effectively diagnose tuberculous peritonitis. These markers show high sensitivity and specificity, offering rapid, non-invasive diagnostic options.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Diagnostics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Tuberculous peritonitis diagnosis can be challenging, often requiring invasive procedures.
  • Ascitic fluid analysis for biomarkers is crucial for differentiating causes of ascites.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the diagnostic utility of gamma interferon (gamma-IFN) and adenosine deaminase (ADA) in ascitic fluid for tuberculous peritonitis.
  • To compare the efficacy of gamma-IFN and ADA assays against malignant ascites and cirrhosis.

Main Methods:

  • Measurement of gamma-IFN concentrations and ADA activity in ascitic fluid samples.
  • Analysis of 30 tuberculous peritonitis patients, 21 malignant ascites patients, and 41 cirrhosis patients.
  • Statistical analysis to determine sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and accuracy of the biomarkers.

Main Results:

  • Gamma-IFN levels were significantly higher in tuberculous peritonitis (mean 6.70 U/ml) vs. malignant (3.10 U/ml) and cirrhotic (3.08 U/ml) ascites.
  • ADA activity was significantly elevated in tuberculous peritonitis (101.84 U/l) vs. controls (13.49-19.35 U/l).
  • High diagnostic accuracy achieved with gamma-IFN (96%) and ADA (95%) assays, showing strong correlation (r=0.72) between them in tuberculous peritonitis.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated ascitic fluid gamma-IFN and ADA activity are highly valuable for diagnosing tuberculous peritonitis.
  • Both biomarkers serve as rapid, non-invasive diagnostic tools, comparable in diagnostic power.
  • These assays improve diagnostic efficiency for tuberculous peritonitis, aiding clinical decision-making.

More Related Videos

Analysis of 18FDG PET/CT Imaging as a Tool for Studying Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection and Treatment in Non-human Primates10:04

Analysis of 18FDG PET/CT Imaging as a Tool for Studying Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection and Treatment in Non-human Primates

Published on: September 5, 2017

Isolation of Proximal Fluids to Investigate the Tumor Microenvironment of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma05:44

Isolation of Proximal Fluids to Investigate the Tumor Microenvironment of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

Published on: November 5, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV01:26

Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV

Tuberculosis, more commonly referred to as TB, is an infectious disease stemming from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While it primarily impacts the lungs, TB can also affect other body areas. Given its severity and global impact, timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial for controlling its spread and improving patient outcomes.
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...
Ascites01:19

Ascites

DefinitionAscites is the buildup of fluid inside the peritoneal cavity. It occurs when fluid moves out of the vascular system faster than the peritoneal lymphatics can remove it. This fluid shift is most commonly seen in liver cirrhosis but can also appear in several other systemic disorders.EtiologyCirrhosis remains the leading cause of ascites. Other conditions that can contribute include:Heart failureConstrictive pericarditisAbdominal cancersNephrotic syndromeSevere protein–calorie...