B.A.  Yousef, E.A.  Khalil, N.H.  Hamid, S.E.  Widatalla, 
    TNF-&#945; and IL-10 Levels: Possible Risk Markers For Latent <I> M. tuberculosis 
  </I> Infections Among Sudanese,
    International Journal of Tropical Medicine,
    Volume 9,Issue 1,
    2014,
    Pages 1-6,
    ISSN 1816-3319,
    ijtmed.2014.1.6,
    (https://makhillpublications.co/view-article.php?doi=ijtmed.2014.1.6)
    Abstract: Factors responsible for the control of <I>M. tuberculosis</I> 
  infection includes T cells, macrophages and cytokines. The incidence and prevalence 
  of latent tuberculosis in Sudan have not yet been reported and latent tuberculosis 
  infection is regarded as a significant risk factor for active pulmonary tuberculosis. 
  This study aimed to understand the role of immune responses particularly the 
  cytokines profile (levels of TNF-&#945; and IL-10) as risk factors of infection 
  in patients with active and latent <I>M. tuberculosis</I> infections. A case 
  control study was conducted in various hospitals in Greater Khartoum, a total 
  of 48 patients and volunteers were enrolled (17 active pulmonary TB patients, 
  17 latent TB patients and 14 apparently healthy individuals). Whole blood culture 
  with PPD, PHA and LPS stimulation and TNF-&#945; and IL-10, measurement by ELISA 
  were conducted. The results have shown TNF-&#945; and IL-10 significantly higher 
  in active TB patients compared to latent TB patients and healthy individuals 
  (p&lt;0.001). On the other hand, patients with latent TB infection had significantly 
  higher levels of TNF-&#945; and IL-10 compared to healthy individuals (p&lt;0.001). 
  Therefore, the differences in the TNF-&#945; and IL-10 levels probably indicate 
  pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of <I>M. tuberculosis </I>infection. Furthermore, 
  TNF-&#945; and IL-10 levels can provide a useful risk marker for the development 
  of overt and latent TB infections.
    Keywords: TNF-a and IL-10;whole blood assay;pulmonary tuberculosis;latent tuberculosis;TB patients