ELISPOT Test Changes After TB Treatment in Gambia
Author Information
Author(s): Aiken Alexander, Hill Philip C, Fox Annette, McAdam Keith PWJ, Jackson-Sillah Dolly, Lugos Moses D, Donkor Simon A, Adegbola Richard A, Brookes Roger H
Primary Institution: Tuberculosis Division, Medical Research Council Laboratories, Banjul, The Gambia
Hypothesis
TB patients in The Gambia would have reduced ELISPOT counts after successful treatment.
Conclusion
Successful tuberculosis treatment is accompanied by a significant reduction in the M. tuberculosis-specific antigen ELISPOT count.
Supporting Evidence
- 82% of HIV-negative patients were ELISPOT positive at diagnosis.
- 96% of patients successfully completed treatment.
- 55% of cured patients were ELISPOT negative at 12 months.
- 73% of cured cases had a decrease in CFP-10 ELISPOT counts.
Takeaway
When people in Gambia get treated for tuberculosis, a special test shows that their immune response to the bacteria goes down, which is a good sign that the treatment worked.
Methodology
The study involved recruiting adults with positive tuberculosis tests, conducting ELISPOT assays at diagnosis and 12 months later, and tracking treatment outcomes.
Potential Biases
Potential bias from the small number of HIV-positive participants and their treatment outcomes.
Limitations
The study may not account for re-exposure to M. tuberculosis after treatment.
Participant Demographics
The study included 89 adults, 70% were men, with a mean age of 32 years; 4% were HIV positive.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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