HLA-DR2 phenotype and plasma lysozyme, ß-glucuronidase and acid phosphatase levels in pulmonary tuberculosis.

Selvaraj, P.; Kannapiran, M.; Reetha, A.M.; Uma, H.; Xavier, T.; Narayanan, P.R.

International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease; 1997; 1(3); 265-269.

Setting : Tuberculosis Research Centre, Indian Council of Medical Research, Madras, India.

Objective : To elucidate the role of HLA-Class II genes/gene products on phagocyte enzymes such as lysozyme, ß-glucuronidase and acid phosphatase in the plasma of pulmonary tuberculosis patients.

Design : Serological determination of HLA-DR and -DQ antigens was carried out in 54 active and 84 inactive pulmonary tuberculosis (quiescent) patients and 36 healthy control subjects. The levels of lysozyme, ß-glucuronidase and acid phosphatase were measured in the plasma of tuberculosis patients and control subjects.

Results : Increased lysozyme levels were observed in active pulmonary tuberculosis patients. ß-glucuronidase activity was higher in inactive-TB than in active-TB patients and control subjects. HLA-DR2 positive patients showed a lower lysozyme level than -DR2 negative patients.

Conclusion : Increase in the plasma lysozyme level in active TB reveals the active stage of the disease. Further, increase in the activity of ß-glucuronidase in inactive-TB patients reveals the quiescent stage of the disease. The low level of lysozyme in HLA-DR2 positive patients may also be of the possible factors involved in susceptibility to tuberculosis.

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