Background: The protective immunity to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is mediated by cytokines produced by macrophages and T cells. Oxidative stress and cytokine markers were studied to estimate the risk factors and its consequence as the diseaseprogresses.
Methods and Materials: Case – Control study comprised of 50 Controls, 50 newly diagnosed Tuberculosis (TB) patients (Category I) and 50 TB patients showing multidrug-resistance (MDR). Recruited subjects were of both genders in 18-60 years of age group. Serum samples were analysed by Chemiluminescence and Spectrophotometry. Statistical evaluation was done by Pearson correlationusing Minitab 17 software.
Results: Serum levels of Cytokines Interleukin-1, Interleukin-2, Interleukin-6 and α-Tumor Necrosis Factor, Malonyldialdehyde, Nitric Oxide and Protein carbonyl were significantly increased in Category I and MDR TB patients as compared to normal healthy controls.
Conclusion: This study concludes that in tuberculosis, the serum levels of cytokines and stress parameters increase as the disease progresses from initial stage of infection to drug resistance.