Detection of serum antibodies in tuberculosis patients

Sera of 14 bacteriological confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis and 16 non-tuberculotic or healthy controls were sampled in Ignace Deen University Hospital in Conakry, Quinea. Samples were examined for IgG and IgM antibodies by means of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using sonicated M. bovis BCG and M. avium antigens and were tested for antibodies to HIV-1/HIV-2 as well. Median of IgG antibody titres to M. bovis BCG antigen was 1:445 and differed significantly from that of the control group (1:149). The median of IgM antibody titres was 1:79.1 and did not differ statistically from that of control group (1:69.3) as well as the antibody titres against M. avium antigen in the IgG and IgM classes for both analyzed serum groups. Seven of tested TB patients sera were positive for antibodies against HIV-1. The median of IgG antibody titres against M. bovis BCG antigen was 1:442 not differing significantly from values of remaining TB patients as well as the IgM antibody titre (1:109).