Study of CD27, CD38, HLA-DR and Ki-67 immune profiles for the characterization of active tuberculosis, latent infection and end of treatment.

Background: Current blood-based diagnostic tools for TB are insufficient to properly characterize the distinct stages of TB, from the latent infection (LTBI) to its active form (aTB); nor can they assess treatment efficacy. Several immune cell biomarkers have been proposed as potential candidates for the development of improved diagnostic tools.

Objective: To compare the capacity of CD27, HLA-DR, CD38 and Ki-67 markers to characterize LTBI, active TB and patients who ended treatment and resolved TB.

Tobacco Smoking and Second-Hand Smoke Exposure Impact on Tuberculosis in Children.

Little is known about whether second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure affects tuberculosis (TB). Here, we investigate the association of cigarette smoke exposure with active TB and latent TB infection (LTBI) in children, analyzing Interferon-Gamma Release Assays' (IGRAs) performance and cytokine immune responses. A total of 616 children from contact-tracing studies were included and classified regarding their smoking habits [unexposed, SHS, or smokers].

Discovery and validation of an NMR-based metabolomic profile in urine as TB biomarker.

Despite efforts to improve tuberculosis (TB) detection, limitations in access, quality and timeliness of diagnostic services in low- and middle-income countries are challenging for current TB diagnostics. This study aimed to identify and characterise a metabolic profile of TB in urine by high-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometry and assess whether the TB metabolic profile is also detected by a low-field benchtop NMR spectrometer. We included 189 patients with tuberculosis, 42 patients with pneumococcal pneumonia, 61 individuals infected with latent tuberculosis and 40 uninfected individuals.

Study of CD27 and CCR4 Markers on Specific CD4 T-Cells as Immune Tools for Active and Latent Tuberculosis Management.

The immunological characterization of different cell markers has opened the possibility of considering them as immune tools for tuberculosis (TB) management, as they could correlate with TB latency/disease status and outcome. CD4 T-cells producing IFN-γ with a low expression of CD27 have been described as an active TB marker. In addition, there are unknown homing receptors related to TB, such as CCR4, which might be useful for understanding TB pathogenesis.

Varenicline in smokers with severe or very severe COPD after 24 weeks of treatment. A descriptive analysis: VALUE study.

A large number of COPD patients are smokers. The particular characteristics of this group as well as their need to quit usually require psychological counselling and pharmacological treatment to achieve abstinence and, often, intensively. Little information is available about this issue.

Assessment of the influence of direct tobacco smoke on infection and active TB management.

Background: Smoking is a risk factor for tuberculosis (TB) infection and disease progression. Tobacco smoking increases susceptibility to TB in a variety of ways, one of which is due to a reduction of the IFN-γ response. Consequently, an impaired immune response could affect performance of IFN-γ Release Assays (IGRAs).

Factors associated with smoking among tuberculosis patients in Spain.

Background: To determine the prevalence of smoking and analyze associated factors in a cohort of patients diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) in Spain between 2006 and 2013.

Methods: Multicenter, cross-sectional, descriptive, observational study using a national database of TB patients, using logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (OR) and confidence intervals (CI).

Results: We analyzed 5,846 cases (62 % men, mean age 39 years, 33 % foreigners).

Correlation between tuberculin skin test and IGRAs with risk factors for the spread of infection in close contacts with sputum smear positive in pulmonary tuberculosis.

Background: The aim of the study was to assess the correlation between the tuberculin skin test (TST) and in vitro interferon-gamma released assays (IGRAs) with risk factors for the spread of infection in smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) contacts.

Methods: We recruited prospective contacts with smear positive pulmonary TB cases. We looked at human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and other conditions of immunosuppression, presence of BCG vaccination and the degree of exposure to the index case.