Cytokine Gene Polymorphisms in Tuberculosis Patients in Pakistan
Author Information
Author(s): Ambreen Ansari, Talat Najeeha, Jamil Bushra, Hasan Zahra, Razzaki Tashmeem, Dawood Ghaffar, Hussain Rabia
Primary Institution: The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
Hypothesis
The study aims to analyze the frequency of cytokine gene polymorphisms linked to high and low responder phenotypes in tuberculosis patients.
Conclusion
The study found significant associations between specific cytokine genotypes and the severity of tuberculosis.
Supporting Evidence
- IFNγ +874 TT genotype was overrepresented in patients with minimal and moderate pulmonary tuberculosis.
- Combinations of IFNγ and IL10 genotypes showed significant associations with disease severity.
- IL10 GG genotype in combination with IFNγ AA increased the risk of disseminated tuberculosis.
Takeaway
This study looks at how certain genes affect the severity of tuberculosis in patients, helping us understand who might get sicker.
Methodology
The study used genotype analyses and cytokine profile assessments through PCR and blood culture assays.
Potential Biases
There may be risks of bias due to the population being studied and the genetic diversity in different ethnic groups.
Limitations
The study had small sample sizes in some stratified groups, which may affect the power of the results.
Participant Demographics
The study included 376 participants, with 188 healthy controls and 188 tuberculosis patients, with a higher ratio of females in the patient group.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.01
Confidence Interval
95% CI=1.31–28.07
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website