Mycobacterium tuberculosis triggers autoimmunity?
Mycobacterial infections are known to induce the development of autoantibodies. This study was therefore carried out in endemic areas to look for the prevalence of autoantibodies in pulmonary and extra pulmonary tuberculosis, with and without rheumatological symptoms suggesting a possible role of mycobacterial infection triggering autoimmunity. The results reveal that there is a need for further studies to be carried out in relation to possible autoimmune phenomenon linked with Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections. Tuberculosis patients should ideally be screened for the presence of various autoantibodies, particularly for a detailed study on anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) specificities. Their significance has to be deciphered to understand the role of these background autoantibodies produced. It is important to screen all tuberculosis patients for autoantibody profile and should be followed up after the treatment for any flaring up of autoimmune related symptoms.
National Institute of Immunohaematology, Indian Council of Medical Research, 13th floor, KEM Hospital, Parel, Mumbai-400 012. pradhanv69@rediffmail.com
Vandana
V
Pradhan
Manisha
M
Patwardhan
Amita
A
Athavale
Syted
S
Taushid
Kanjksha
K
Ghosh
D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear / Q000276:immunology; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000276:immunology*; D015551:Autoimmunity / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D009169:Mycobacterium tuberculosis / Q000276:immunology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000276:immunology*
D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear; D001323:Autoantibodies