Abstract
Serological tests offer the potential in order to improve the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB). Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) plays a protective role in infection control in TB; however, to date, no studies on antibody responses to MIF have been reported. We measured immunoglobulin (Ig)A and IgG responses to MIF in individuals with either active tuberculosis (ATB; n = 65), latent tuberculosis (LTBI; n = 53), or in non-infected individuals (NI; n = 62). The QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT) assay was used in order to screen for LTBI. The level of IgA against MIF was significantly lower in LTBI and ATB patients than in NI individuals, was significantly related to LTBI and ATB diagnosis, and it could discriminate between LTBI and ATB. In contrast, the level of IgG against MIF was significantly lower in LTBI patients than in NI individuals and was significantly related to LTBI diagnosis. Anti-MIF IgG levels were significantly lower in AFB-negative TB, minimal TB, and new ATB patients, than in the NI group. IgA and IgG levels against MIF both showed significant negative correlations with IFN-γ levels, as assessed using the QFT-GIT test. Although none of the antibodies could achieve high diagnostic predictive power individually, our results suggest the possibility of using IgA antibody responses to MIF in the diagnosis of LTBI and ATB.
Highlights
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant threat to public health
migration inhibitory factor (MIF) were significantly lower in the latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) (p < 0.0001) and active tuberculosis (ATB) groups (p = 0.006), as compared with the NI group; there was no significant difference between the ATB and LTBI groups (Figure 1A)
The anti-MIF IgG levels were significantly lower in the LTBI group, when compared with the NI group anti-MIF IgG levels were significantly lower in the LTBI group, when compared with the NI group (p = 0.011)
Summary
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant threat to public health. In 2018, seven-million new cases of TB were reported worldwide, with 1.2 million TB-related deaths reported among individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative status, and an additional 251,000 deaths being reported among individuals with HIV-positive status [1].The rapid diagnosis and treatment of TB is essential for its effective management. Molecular analysis is costly and it requires the latest technology and high-end laboratory instruments [4]
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