Association between monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio and tuberculin skin test positivity in HIV-positive adults.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The tuberculin skin test (TST) identifies individuals at high risk of developing tuberculosis (TB) but poses many challenges. The blood monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) could be an alternative, as extremes in MLR have been associated with increased risk of TB disease.

Methods

At a primary care clinic in Johannesburg, a differential white blood cell count and TST was performed in adults starting antiretroviral treatment (ART) without symptoms suggestive of active TB.

Results

Of 259 participants, 171 had valid results of whom 30% (51/171) were TST positive and the median MLR was 0.18 (IQR 0.13-0.28). The MLR distribution differed between CD4 count categories (p < 0.01), with a broader range of values in TST negative participants with a low CD4 count (≤ 250

SUBMITTER: Van Ginderdeuren E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8284817 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature