Diagnostic Biomarkers for Uveitis: Serum BAFF and CXCL9 in Differentiating Ocular Sarcoidosis, Tuberculosis and Other Entities with Implication for QuantiFERON-Positive Uveitis

PURPOSE: To evaluate serum B cell activating factor (BAFF) and CXCL9 as diagnostic biomarkers for ocular sarcoidosis and ocular tuberculosis (TB). We also explore their role in the stratification of patients with QuantiFERON (QFT)-positive uveitis without another identifiable cause. METHODS: Eighty uveitis patients with various entities were included: 10 with ocular sarcoidosis, 35 with TB-related uveitis (including 11 confirmed (ocular TB) and 24 QFT-positive uveitis of unknown cause) and 35 with other uveitis entities. Levels of serum BAFF and CXCL9 were measured. RESULTS: = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: Serum BAFF and CXCL9 serve as potential diagnostic biomarkers for differentiating ocular sarcoidosis, ocular TB and other uveitis entities. These might identify QFT-positive uveitis who are most in need of ATT.