The Difference in Serum Levels of IP-10 in Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis with A Positive AFB and AFB Conversion

Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which most often infects the lungs. Diagnostic modalities are required in tuberculosis with AFB negative. IP-10 is a potent chemokine to detect the presence of TB infections. This research aims to determine the difference in serum levels of IP-10 in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis with a positive AFB and patients with pulmonary tuberculosis with AFB conversion after two months of therapy.Methods: This research was an observational analytical with a cross-sectional approach. Samples were collected with consecutive sampling methods. The AFB examination was performed using Ziehl-Neelsen staining, and IP-10 serum was measured using ELISA.Results: The study results obtained average levels of IP-10 in tuberculosis patients with positive AFB and AFB conversion after two months of treatment: 459 pg/mL and 204.4 pg/mL, respectively. Statistical analysis using the independent t-test obtained the p-value was <0.00. The optimal cut-off value was 306,1 pg/ml (sensitivity 90%; specificity 95%; area under curve: 0,948, 95% CI 0,88 - 1; p-value 0,000).Conclusion: The conclusion shows that there was a significant difference between the levels of IP-10 in tuberculosis patients with positive AFB and AFB conversion.