Distinct blood transcriptomic signature of treatment in latent tuberculosis infected individuals at risk of developing active disease.

Although only a small fraction will ever develop the active form of tuberculosis (ATB) disease, chemoprophylaxis treatment in latent TB infected (LTBI) individuals is an effective strategy to control pathogen transmission. Characterizing immune responses in LTBI upon chemoprophylactic treatment is important to facilitate treatment monitoring, and thus improve TB control strategies. Here, we studied changes in the blood transcriptome in a cohort of 42 LTBI and 8 ATB participants who received anti-TB therapy.

Human Hookworm Infection Enhances Mycobacterial Growth Inhibition and Associates With Reduced Risk of Tuberculosis Infection.

Soil-transmitted helminths and frequently coincide geographically and it is hypothesized that gastrointestinal helminth infection may exacerbate tuberculosis (TB) disease by suppression of Th1 and Th17 responses. However, few studies have focused on latent TB infection (LTBI), which predominates globally. We performed a large observational study of healthy adults migrating from Nepal to the UK ( = 645).

Immunological correlates of mycobacterial growth inhibition describe a spectrum of tuberculosis infection.

A major contribution to the burden of Tuberculosis (TB) comes from latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections (LTBI) becoming clinically active. TB and LTBI probably exist as a spectrum and currently there are no correlates available to identify individuals with LTBI most at risk of developing active disease. We set out to identify immune parameters associated with ex vivo mycobacterial growth control among individuals with active TB disease or LTBI to define the spectrum of TB infection.

Tuberculin skin testing and treatment modulates interferon-gamma release assay results for latent tuberculosis in migrants.

Background: Identifying latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in people migrating from TB endemic regions to low incidence countries is an important control measure. However, no prospective longitudinal comparisons between diagnostic tests used in such migrant populations are available.

Objectives: To compare commercial interferon (IFN)-gamma release assays (IGRAs) and the tuberculin skin test (TST) for diagnosing LTBI in a migrant population, and the influence of antecedent TST and LTBI treatment on IGRA performance.

Population based epidemiology and prognosis of mesothelioma in Leeds, UK.

Introduction: Malignant mesothelioma is a fatal neoplasm, which is rapidly increasing in incidence throughout Western Europe. To date there have been no studies reporting on the natural history and interventional practices on a comprehensive unselected population, as opposed to reports from referral institutions or compensation claimants. We present a population based study capturing data on all patients with mesothelioma presenting within a defined geographical area over a 4 year period in the UK.