Predictive value of serum adenosine deaminase levels in prospect of tubercular infections

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is well-known public health problem with one-fifth of global burden in India. Even though there are diagnostic and prognostic markers for TB, there is further need to study and understand the role of adenosine deaminase (ADA) in different forms of TB for its rapid control. The present study is conducted to ascertain the role of biochemical enzymatic marker, i.e., ADA in different forms of TB and in Bacillus Calmette-Guerin-vaccinated healthy controls. The aim is to study the role of ADA in different forms of TB compared with healthy controls. This cross-sectional study was conducted on patients attending outpatient department under a district tuberculosis center. Methods: A total 100 participants 25 in each study group and 25 in healthy control were enrolled. After taking sociodemographic profile and detailed history, serum levels of ADA were assessed and compared within study groups. Difference in level of ADA among different study groups was evaluated using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was done to identify the cutoff values for ADA that has maximum sensitivity and specificity. Results: Of total 100 enrolled participants, 53 were males and 47 were females belonging to the age group range of 16-65 years. Among 75 participants who had TB, 68% had pulmonary and 32% had extrapulmonary TB. Levels of serum ADA were found to be significantly higher in relapse TB, fresh TB, and those on anti-TB treatment compared to healthy controls. Conclusions: Serum ADA levels may serve as prognostic markers in TB.