Serum microRNAs as Biomarker for Active and Latent TB Infection
Mwangoka, Grace Wynn
Synopsis "Serum microRNAs as Biomarker for Active and Latent TB Infection"
Expression patterns of microRNAs in body fluids can be used as non-invasive rapid and accurate biomarkers for various diseases. The study aimed to identify patterns of microRNA signatures for diagnosis of TB and assess significance of a patient's genetic background on signature composition and diagnostic performance. The consented participant with; active tuberculosis, active TB co-infected with HIV, latent TB infection, other pulmonary infection and healthy individuals were enrolled from Italy and East Africa. A signature of 15 miRNAs was observe to differentiate healthy individuals from those with PTB with a diagnostic accuracy of 82% in the RVM and 77% in the logistic classification model. The analysis based on genetic background identified a signature of 10 miRNAs that was specific for the European with a diagnostic accuracy of 83% in RVM, and 81% in the logistic model. Whereas a signature of 12 miRNAs was specific to the African cohort and the diagnostic accuracy increased up to 95% and 100% in RVM and logistic model, respectively.miRNAs are a promising diagnostic candidate for TB, therefore further prospective evaluation of this diagnostic seems warranted to scientist.