Inflammatory cytokine responses in pediatric tuberculosis with or without SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity

OBJECTIVES: To characterize the inflammatory cytokine profiles in children with TB in the presence and absence of SARS-CoV2 seropositivity. METHODS: This study evaluated cytokine responses in two groups of children with TB: CoV2+ (TB and SARS-CoV2 seropositive) and CoV2- (TB and SARS-CoV2 seronegative). Each group had 30 children, and cytokine levels were measured at baseline, months 3 and 6. RESULTS: At baseline, CoV2+ children exhibited significantly elevated levels of cytokines, including IFN-γ, IL-2, TNFα, IL-1α, and IL-6, and reduced levels of IL-1β and IL-18, compared to CoV2- children. No significant differences in cytokine levels between the groups were observed at months 3 and 6. Additionally, a general decline in cytokine levels was noted over the course of treatment in both groups. A positive correlation was found between most cytokines and SARS-CoV2 IgG spike protein levels at baseline and at month 3 in the CoV2+ group. CONCLUSIONS: This study is one of the first studies to characterize the systemic inflammatory responses in SARS-CoV2 seropositive and seronegative children with TB from a TB endemic country. The findings enhance our understanding of the immunopathogenesis of TB and SARS-CoV2 seropositivity in children and may inform future therapeutic strategies.