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Level of interferon gamma in the blood of tuberculosis patients

Shahid Hussain1, Nadeem Afzal, Khursheed Javaid

  • 1Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.

Iranian Journal of Immunology : IJI
|December 30, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) levels are significantly elevated in tuberculosis (TB) patients compared to healthy individuals. Measuring IFN-γ aids in diagnosing active TB, with levels decreasing during therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) is a crucial cytokine in the immune response against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
  • IFN-γ activates immune cells and molecules essential for combating tuberculosis.
  • IFN-γ plays a role in identifying active and latent tuberculosis infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify the concentration of IFN-γ in the blood of individuals with tuberculosis.
  • To compare IFN-γ levels between active TB patients and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 91 subjects was analyzed, comprising 54 active TB patients and 37 healthy controls.
  • TB patients were categorized into confirmed (27) and clinically diagnosed (27) groups.
  • Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) concentration was measured using the ELISA technique.

Main Results:

  • Mean IFN-γ levels were significantly higher in TB patients (48.69 ± 28.78 pg/ml) than in controls (12.99 ± 5.70 pg/ml) (p <0.001).
  • Distinct IFN-γ levels were observed across confirmed TB, clinically diagnosed TB, and control groups (59.68 ± 28.78, 36.85 ± 24.76, and 12.99 ± 5.70 pg/ml, respectively).
  • A significant negative correlation was found between IFN-γ levels and the duration of anti-tuberculosis therapy.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated IFN-γ levels are indicative of active tuberculosis in both confirmed and clinically diagnosed patients.
  • IFN-γ measurement is a valuable tool for diagnosing active tuberculosis.
  • Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the role of IFN-γ in tuberculosis diagnosis and management.
Abstract

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