Polyantigenic IFN-γ Responses and TB Protection in HIV-Infected Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Timothy Lahey, Brian K. Mitchell, Robert D. Arbeit, Siddharth Sheth, Mecky Matee, C. Robert Horsburgh, Todd MacKenzie, Lillian Mtei, Muhammad Bakari, Jenni M. Vuola, Kisali Pallangyo, C. Fordham von Reyn
Primary Institution: Dartmouth Medical School
Hypothesis
Are polyantigenic IFN-γ responses associated with protection from tuberculosis (TB) among HIV-infected adults with childhood BCG immunization?
Conclusion
Polyantigenic IFN-γ responses are associated with a decreased risk of subsequent HIV-associated TB among HIV-infected adults who received BCG in childhood.
Supporting Evidence
- 92 out of 979 placebo recipients developed TB during the study.
- The incidence of TB was 14% in subjects with no detectable baseline IFN-γ responses.
- The hazard of developing HIV-associated TB was 46% lower with each increment in the number of detectable baseline IFN-γ responses.
Takeaway
If you have a lot of different immune responses to TB, you're less likely to get sick with it, especially if you had a vaccine when you were a baby.
Methodology
The study assessed IFN-γ responses in HIV-infected adults with childhood BCG immunization and followed them for TB incidence over a median of 3.3 years.
Limitations
The study may be limited by the degree of immunosuppression in HIV-infected subjects.
Participant Demographics
HIV-infected adults with childhood BCG immunization, median follow-up of 3.3 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.004
Confidence Interval
95% CI 0.38–0.75
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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