IgA Response to ESAT-6/CFP-10 and Rv2031 Antigens Varies in Patients With Culture-Confirmed Pulmonary Tuberculosis, Healthy Mycobacterium tuberculosis-Infected and Non-Infected Individuals in a Tuberculosis Endemic Setting, Ethiopia

M. Legesse, G. Ameni, G. Medhin, G. Mamo, K. L.M.C. Franken, T. H.M. Ottenhoff, G. Bjune, F. Abebe

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30 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Little attention has been given to the role of antibodies against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection. We have compared the levels of IgA and IgG against ESAT-6/CFP-10 and Rv2031c antigens in sera of patients with culture-confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), healthy Mtb-infected and non-infected individuals in endemic TB settings. Venous blood samples were collected from 166 study participants; sera were separated and assayed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFTGIT) assay was used for the screening of latent TB infection. The mean optical density (OD) values of IgA against ESAT-6/CFP-10 and Rv2031 were significantly higher in sera of patients with culture-confirmed PTB compared with healthy Mtb-infected and non-infected individuals (P < 0.001). The mean OD values of IgG against ESAT-6/CFP-10 and Rv2031 were also significantly higher in sera of patients with culture-confirmed PTB compared with healthy Mtb-infected and non-infected individuals (P < 0.05). The mean OD values of IgA against both antigens were also higher in sera of healthy Mtb-infected cases compared with non-infected individuals. There were positive correlations (P < 0.05) between the level of IFN-γ induced in QFTGIT assay and the OD values of serum IgA against both antigens in healthy Mtb-infected subjects. This study shows the potential of IgA response against ESAT-6/CFP-10 and Rv2031 antigens in discriminating clinical TB from healthy Mtb-infected and non-infected cases. Nevertheless, further well-designed cohort study is needed to fully realize the full potential of this diagnostic marker.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)266-274
Number of pages9
JournalScandinavian Journal of Immunology
Volume78
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2013
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology

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