Study of adenosine deaminase levels in the diagnosis of tuberculous pleural effusion

Background: Tuberculous pleurisy is thought to be the result of a delayed hypersensitivity reaction in response to the presence of mycobacterial antigens in the pleural space. This Immunologic reaction causes the stimulation and differentiation of lymphocytes, which release lymphokines, which in turn activate macrophages for an enhanced bactericidal effect. Aim: To study the adenosine deaminase levels in the diagnosis of tuberculous pleural effusion. Materials and methods: Present study was done in the Department of Biochemistry, Fathima Institute of Medical Sciences, Kapada. Parameters studied were total cell count, differential cell count, glucose, total proteins, lactate dehydrogenase, and adenosine deaminase. Results: In our study, all the parameters were elevated in disease condition that was tuberculous pleural effusion compared to non-tuberculous pleural effusion. Conclusion: Study of these parameters is not enough to know about the tubercular plerural effusion. The adenosine deaminase levels were significantly raised in pleural fluid in tuberculous pleural effusion than non tuberculous pleural effusion.