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Changes in lymphocyte subsets in the peripheral blood of patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis

Y E Wu1, S W Zhang, W G Peng

  • 1Department of Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China.

The Journal of International Medical Research
|February 12, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Active tuberculosis alters immune cell balance, decreasing key T-cells while increasing B-cells and other T-cell subsets. This study reveals significant changes in lymphocyte populations in tuberculosis patients compared to healthy individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health challenge.
  • Understanding the immune response in active TB is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
  • Lymphocyte subset alterations may indicate immune dysregulation in TB patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify lymphocyte subset percentages in peripheral blood of active tuberculosis patients.
  • To compare these percentages with those of healthy controls.
  • To investigate alterations in T-lymphocyte subsets, B-lymphocytes, and NK cells.

Main Methods:

  • Flow cytometry was used to analyze peripheral blood samples.
  • Key lymphocyte subsets including CD3(+), CD4(+), CD8(+), CD19(+), NK cells, CD28, and CD152 were quantified.
  • A cohort of 21 active TB patients and 15 healthy volunteers were studied.

Main Results:

  • Active TB patients showed decreased CD3(+) and CD3(+)CD4(+) T-cells and a lower CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratio.
  • Significant increases were observed in B-cells (CD19(+)), CD3(+)CD8(+) T-cells, and cells expressing CD28 and CD152.
  • No significant differences in NK cells or CD4(+)CD28(+) cells were found between groups.

Conclusions:

  • Active tuberculosis is associated with significant alterations in lymphocyte homeostasis.
  • The observed changes suggest a complex immune response involving both suppression and activation.
  • These findings contribute to understanding the immunopathology of active tuberculosis.

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