Using T-Cell Profiles to Diagnose Active Tuberculosis
Author Information
Author(s): Sester Urban, Fousse Mathias, Dirks Jan, Mack Ulrich, Prasse Antje, Singh Mahavir, Lalvani Ajit, Sester Martina
Primary Institution: Saarland University
Hypothesis
IFN-γ and IL-2 cytokine profiles of antigen-specific T cells measured by flow-cytometry ex vivo might correlate with TB disease activity in vivo.
Conclusion
A frequency lower than 56% of IFN-γ/IL-2 dual positive PPD-specific circulating CD4 T-cells is strongly indicative of active tuberculosis.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients with active TB had higher frequencies of PPD reactive cytokine-positive CD4 T cells compared to treated TB.
- A threshold of less than 56% dual cytokine-secreting T cells was established to identify active TB.
- The study included a diverse group of participants, enhancing the applicability of the findings.
Takeaway
Doctors can tell if someone has active tuberculosis by looking at certain immune cells in their blood. If less than 56% of these cells are working together, it means the person likely has active TB.
Methodology
Flow-cytometry was used to measure cytokine profiles in CD4 T cells from patients with active and treated tuberculosis.
Limitations
The study's findings need to be confirmed in larger patient populations and in different clinical settings.
Participant Demographics
24 patients with active TB, 28 patients with successfully treated TB, and 50 healthy individuals.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.02
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 85–100%
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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