Tuberculous Effusion: ADA Activity Correlates with CD4+ Cell Numbers in the Fluid and the Pleura

Vol. 72, No. 2, 2005

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Clinical Investigations

Tuberculous Effusion: ADA Activity Correlates with CD4+ Cell Numbers in the Fluid and the Pleura
M. Gaga^a, G. Papamichalis^b, P. Bakakos^a, P. Latsi^a, I. Samara^c, N.G. Koulouris^a, N. Alchanatis^a, D. Orphanidou^a

^aRespiratory Medicine Department, Medical School, Athens University and Departments of
^bPathology and
^cBiochemistry, Sotiria Hospital, Athens, Greece

Address of Corresponding Author

Respiration 2005;72:160-165 (DOI: 10.1159/000084047)

Key Words

T cells
Adenosine deaminase
Macrophages
Tuberculosis
Pleural effusion

Abstract

Background: Adenosine deaminase (ADA) is a commonly used marker in the diagnosis of tuberculous effusion and there is evidence that its production is linked to T cells and monocytes. Data on the correlation between ADA and T cells or macrophages in tuberculous effusions are conflicting. Furthermore, no studies have examined a possible correlation between pleural tissue infiltration and ADA. Objectives: We undertook this study to examine cell subsets in the fluid and the pleura in tuberculous effusion and their correlation to ADA. The use of cell subsets as a marker in the differential diagnosis was also examined. Methods: Pleural fluid from 36 patients with tuberculous and 34 patients with malignant effusion as well as pleural tissue biopsies from 16 patients with tuberculous pleurisy were examined. The APAAP and the avidin-biotin complex immunocytochemical methods were used to examine CD4+ T cells and macrophages (CD68+), while ADA activity was measured by the Giusti colorimetric method. Results: Our results showed that, in pleural fluid, CD4+ cells and ADA were significantly higher in tuberculous compared to malignant effusion (p < 0.001 for all measurements). In pleural tissue biopsies, macrophages were the predominant cells but CD4+ T cells were also abundant. A significant correlation was found between ADA and CD4+ numbers in pleural fluid and tissue (r = 0.45, p < 0.01; r = 0.75, p < 0.001, respectively). ADA had high sensitivity and specificity for differential diagnosis while cell subsets did not. Conclusions: These results indicate that ADA activity correlates to CD4+ T cell infiltration in the pleura and the fluid. Moreover, ADA but no cell subsets may be used as markers of tuberculous effusion.

Author Contacts

Dr. Mina Gaga
Respiratory Medicine Department, Medical School, Athens University
'Sotiria' Hospital, 152, Mesogion Avenue
GR-115 27 Athens (Greece)
Tel. +30 1 7778827, Fax +30 1 7770423, E-Mail mgaga@med.uoa.gr

Article Information

Received: December 9, 2003
Accepted after revision: July 23, 2004
Number of Print Pages : 6
Number of Figures : 3, Number of Tables : 2, Number of References : 42

Medline Abstract (ID 15824526)

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