TB Research

Seroprevalence of Aspergillus-Specific IgG Antibody among Mozambican Tuberculosis Patients

Helmut J.F. Salzer, Isabel Massango, Nilesh Bhatt, Emelva Machonisse, Maja Reimann, Sven Heldt, Christoph Lange, Michael Höelscher, et al. (10 authors)

Journal of Fungi · 2021-07

Abstract

Background: Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) is a life-threatening sequel in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). Aspergillus-specific IgG antibody is a useful diagnostic biomarker supporting CPA diagnosis, especially in countries with limited health recourses. Methods: We conducted a prospective pilot study to assess the seroprevalence of Aspergillus-specific IgG antibodies among 61 Mozambican tuberculosis patients before, during, and after the end of TB treatment. Aspergillus-specific IgG antibody levels were measured using the ImmunoCAP®. Results: In this study, 3 out of 21 HIV-negative PTB patients had a positive Aspergillus-specific IgG antibody level before, during, and after the end of TB treatment. Antibody levels were 41.1, 45.5, and 174 mg/L at end of treatment (EOT), respectively. Additionally, two HIV-negative PTB patients with negative Aspergillus-specific IgG antibody levels at baseline became seropositive at EOT (41.9 and 158 mg/L, respectively). Interestingly, none of the HIV-positive PTB patients (40/61) had a positive Aspergillus-specific IgG antibody level at any time, neither at baseline nor at EOT. Probable CPA was diagnosed in one HIV-negative patient (5%; 1/20). Conclusion: Seroprevalence of Aspergillus-specific IgG antibody may differ between HIV-negative and HIV-positive Mozambican PTB patients. Future studies evaluating post-tuberculosis lung disease should integrate CPA as a life-threatening sequel to PTB.

MeSH terms

  • Aspergillus
  • Medicine
  • Seroprevalence
  • Tuberculosis
  • Antibody
  • Immunology
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Aspergillosis
  • Internal medicine