Evaluation of adenosine deaminase in serum and exudative pleural fluid for diagnosis of HIV seronegative tuberculous pleural effusions

Abstract

Introduction: Tuberculosis, both pulmonary and extra pulmonary pose great threat to individual health and community economy. The diagnosis of tuberculosis is currently made by a detailed medical history, clinical examination, radiological, microbiological, immunological, biochemical, molecular-biological and histological investigations. The current diagnostic methods either are relatively expensive, feasible, and insufficient or give erroneous results especially while diagnosing extra pulmonary tuberculosis. However recent trials have shown that enzymatic, evaluations in serum and pleural fluid have given excellent diagnostic results in diagnosis of extra pulmonary tuberculosis. Aim: The current study was aimed to evaluate whether analysis of adenosine deaminase enzyme in serum and pleural fluid helps in diagnosis of HIV sero negative tuberculous pleural effusion. Material and Methods: The study encompassed a total of 100 subjects of which 50 patients were known cases of tuberculous pleural effusion and remaining 50 patients served as control subjects Adenosine deaminase was estimated in serum and pleural fluids using kits and auto analyzer. Results: The results were tabled and analyzed using MEDCALC statistical software and are in favor of the study, supporting adenosine deaminase as a reliable marker in diagnosis of sero negative pleural effusions. Conclusion: The current study has indicated that promising positive results can be obtained by estimating levels of Adenosine deaminase enzyme in diagnosis of HIV sero negative pleural effusions. Further the study concludes that testing the adenosine deaminase levels in a cheaper, cost effective diagnostic tool and can be used in large community of individuals with minimal costs. Keywords: Adenosine deaminase, Extrapulmonary tuberculosis, Exudative pleural fluid HIV, seronegative.