Levels of tumour necrosis factor-alpha and IL-1a in newly diagnosed and multidrug resistant tuberculosis

Abstract

Background: The pro-inflammatory cytokines tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and IL-1 alpha play key roles in host defence against tuberculosis (TB) but there is little knowledge of their levels in multi-drug resistant TB (MDR-TB). The aim of the present study was to investigate the levels of TNF-alpha and IL-1 alpha and their relationship with the levels of T helper (CD4'), T suppressor (CD8') and total lymphocytes (CD45(+)) in newly diagnosed TB (N-TB) and MDR-TB.