Authors : B.A. Yousef, E.A. Khalil, N.H. Hamid and S.E. Widatalla
Abstract: Factors responsible for the control of M. tuberculosis infection includes T cells, macrophages and cytokines. The incidence and prevalence of latent tuberculosis in Sudan have not yet been reported and latent tuberculosis infection is regarded as a significant risk factor for active pulmonary tuberculosis. This study aimed to understand the role of immune responses particularly the cytokines profile (levels of TNF-α and IL-10) as risk factors of infection in patients with active and latent M. tuberculosis infections. A case control study was conducted in various hospitals in Greater Khartoum, a total of 48 patients and volunteers were enrolled (17 active pulmonary TB patients, 17 latent TB patients and 14 apparently healthy individuals). Whole blood culture with PPD, PHA and LPS stimulation and TNF-α and IL-10, measurement by ELISA were conducted. The results have shown TNF-α and IL-10 significantly higher in active TB patients compared to latent TB patients and healthy individuals (p<0.001). On the other hand, patients with latent TB infection had significantly higher levels of TNF-α and IL-10 compared to healthy individuals (p<0.001). Therefore, the differences in the TNF-α and IL-10 levels probably indicate pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of M. tuberculosis infection. Furthermore, TNF-α and IL-10 levels can provide a useful risk marker for the development of overt and latent TB infections.
B.A. Yousef, E.A. Khalil, N.H. Hamid and S.E. Widatalla, 2014. TNF-α and IL-10 Levels: Possible Risk Markers For Latent M. tuberculosis Infections Among Sudanese. International Journal of Tropical Medicine, 9: 1-6.