Young Children Can Mount Strong Immune Responses to Tuberculosis
Author Information
Author(s): Lewinsohn Deborah A., Zalwango Sarah, Stein Catherine M., Mayanja-Kizza Harriet, Okwera Alphonse, Boom W. Henry, Mugerwa Roy D., Whalen Christopher C.
Primary Institution: Oregon Health & Science University
Hypothesis
IFN-γ responses to mycobacterial antigens in household contacts exposed to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) would be impaired in young children relative to adults.
Conclusion
Young children in a TB endemic setting can mount robust IFN-γ responses comparable to those of adults.
Supporting Evidence
- Young household contacts demonstrated robust IFN-γ responses comparable to those of adults.
- There was no effect of prior BCG immunization on the IFN-γ response.
- Concordance between IFN-γ assay results and TST results was statistically significant for both age groups.
Takeaway
This study shows that even young children can have strong immune responses to tuberculosis, similar to adults, which is important for diagnosing and treating the disease.
Methodology
Whole blood IFN-γ production in response to Mtb culture-filtrate antigens was measured by ELISA and compared between different age groups.
Limitations
The conclusions should not be extrapolated to young children immunocompromised by conditions other than age such as HIV.
Participant Demographics
Household contacts of adult pulmonary TB cases, including infants, young children, older children, and adults, all HIV negative.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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