Serum TNF-Α Level and Haematological Indices in HIV-TB Co-Infections in Northern Nigeria

Abstract

Both TB and HIV have profound effects on the immune system, as they are capable of disarming the host’s immune responses through mechanisms that are not fully understood. In high-burden settings, HIV co-infection is the most important risk factor to develop active TB, which dramatically increases the susceptibility to primary infection or reinfection and also the risk of TB reactivation for patients with latent M. tuberculosis infection. TNF-α is a pro- inflammatory cytokine which exerts multiple biological effects, and is produced primarily by monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells when stimulated by mycobacterial metabolites.
Consequently, TNF-α is likely involved in host protective responses against M. tuberculosis infection. The aim of the study therefore was to assess serum levels of TNF and haematological parameters among patients with HIV-TB co-infection and those with HIV
mono-infection. Eighty-eight participants were enrolled in the study, 44 with HIV/TB co- infections and 44 with HIV mono-infection. Serum TNF-α levels, and haematological parameters were estimated using ELISA and automated haematology analyser respectively.
Serum TNFα was significantly reduced in the study group compared to the control group (p=0.001). The WBC count was also significantly reduced in the study group compared to the control group (p=0.038). The HGB, HCT, MCV and MCH were significantly reduced in the study group compared to the control group (p=0.001, 0.001, 0.002 and 0.001) respectively. Participants with HIV-TB co-infection have reduced serum TNF-α levels, low total WBC, lymphocyte and monocyte counts compared to those with HIV mono-infection. TNF-α in the study the group correlated positively and significantly with monocyte counts (r=0.319, p=0.043).