Diagnostic accuracy of plasma kynurenine/tryptophan ratio, measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, for pulmonary tuberculosis.

Introduction: The World Health Organization has identified the need for a non-sputum-based test capable of detecting active tuberculosis (TB) as a priority. The plasma kynurenine-to-tryptophan (K/T) ratio, largely mediated by activity of the enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, may have potential as a suitable biomarker for active TB.

Method: We evaluated a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in comparison to mass spectrometry for measuring the K/T ratio.

Indoleamine 2, 3-Dioxygenase-Mediated Tryptophan Catabolism: A Leading Star or Supporting Act in the Tuberculosis and HIV Pas-de-Deux?

Progression from latency to active Tuberculosis (TB) disease is mediated by incompletely understood host immune factors. The definitive characteristic of progressive human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease is a severe loss in number and function of T lymphocytes. Among the many possible mediators of T lymphocyte loss and ineffective function is the activity of the immune-modulatory enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO).

Hepatitis B sero-prevalence in children under 15 years of age in South Africa using residual samples from community-based febrile rash surveillance.

Introduction And Methods: Hepatitis B is a vaccine preventable disease and is notifiable in South Africa. Hepatitis B vaccination was incorporated into the Expanded Programme on Immunisation in South Africa in 1995. We used a convenience sample from community-based febrile rash surveillance in 2013 to estimate hepatitis B sero-prevalence.

Missing: a diagnostic technique to enumerate antigen-specific T cells.

T lymphocytes are responsible for immune responses against pathogens, immune surveillance against cancer and maintenance of tolerance to self. While techniques available to detect antigen-specific T cells have been well described, there is a missing technique in our repertoire. While fluorescent multimers can be used for limited research applications, there is no existing technique suitable for detection of antigen-specific T cells in a diagnostic setting.