Interferon-Gamma

Background: Interferon gamma (IFN-), a cytokine produced by a variety of cells is involved in the immune response against M.tuberculosis. It activates the production of other cytokines & molecules that kill MTB. IFN- also has diagnostic role in identification of active and latent TB. Objective: To determine the level of IFN- in the blood of TB patients. Methods: 91 subjects were selected, including 54 active TB patients and 37 healthy controls. IFN- conc. was determined in their blood by ELISA technique. Results: In TB patients, Mean+SD of IFN- was 48.69+28.78 while it was 12.99+5.70 pg/ml in control group (p <0.001). significant differences in the level of ifn- were observed among confirmed tb patients, clinically diagnosed tb patients and the control group (mean+sd 59.68+28.78, 36.85+24.76 and 12.99+5.70 pg/ml, respectively). furthermore, a significant negative correlation was observed b/w conc. of ifn- in tb patients and the duration of anti-tuberculosis therapy. conclusion: ifn- level was high in both clinically diagnosed and confirmed tb patients as compared to a control group. measurement of ifn- is helpful to diagnose active tb, but further research is required.