An in-house multiplex PCR test for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, its validation & comparison with a single target TB-PCR kit.

Background & objectives: The conventional techniques used in TB diagnosis like AFB (acid fast bacilli) smear microscopy lack sensitivity and the gold standard, culture test takes time. A test based on multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the 38 kDa gene and IS6110 insertion sequence, specific to Mycobacterium tuberculosis was developed to further increase the sensitivity of a TB-PCR kit targeting only 38 kDa gene developed earlier in the same laboratory. The multiplex test was validated using sputum samples from pulmonary TB (PTB) cases. The sensitivity and specificity were compared with AFB smear examination and Lowenstein-Jensen (LJ) culture test. Methods: Multiplex PCR amplifying 340 and 245 bp sequence of 38 kDa gene and IS6110, respectively was standardized and analytical sensitivity was verified. Sputum samples (n=120) obtained from PTB cases were subjected to AFB smear examination, LJ culture and a multiplex as well as single target PCR test. Additionally, 72 non-TB respiratory samples were included in the study as negative controls. Results: Analytical sensitivity of multiplex PCR was found to be 100 fg for 38 kDa gene and 1 fg for IS6110. Multiplex PCR, using both the targets, showed highest sensitivity of 81.7 per cent, followed by 69.2 per cent for L-J culture test and 53.3 per cent for AFB smear when clinical diagnosis was considered as a gold standard. The sensitivity of detection of M. tuberculosis in AFB smear positive and negative samples by multiplex PCR was 93.7 and 67.9 per cent, respectively. Sensitivity of 77.1 per cent observed for the detection of M. tuberculosis with single target PCR increased to 89.2 per cent with multiplex PCR in culture positive samples. Four samples showed positive PCR results only with primers for 38 kDa gene. Interpretation & conclusions: Multiplex PCR increased the sensitivity of single target PCR and will be useful in diagnosing paucibacillary smear negative samples. Further, it can also be used to detect samples with M. tuberculosis strains lacking IS6110.

Thyroid hormone binding protein abnormalities in patients referred for thyroid disorders.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Thyroid hormone binding protein (THBP) abnormalities are the major cause of discordance in commonly performed total thyroxine (T4) and thyrotropin (TSH) estimations, though these do not interfere with thyroid hormone action. Determination of such abnormalities in patients showing discordant thyroid function tests (TFTs) is diagnostically important as it eliminates equivocal assessment of thyroid function and treatment especially where proper methodology for free T4 (FT4) estimation is not available. This study was undertaken to analyse the THBP abnormalities in the population attending thyroid clinic. Family members of affected patients were also screened to study the inheritance of quantitative TBG abnormalities. METHODS: Blood samples of 15000 consecutive patients over a period of 4 years (1994-1997) were tested for thyroid function. THBP abnormalities were studied using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis autoradiography. Serum thyroxine binding globulin (TBG), free and total T4, total tri-iodothyronine (TT3) were assayed by radioimmunoassay methods. RESULTS: In our screening of 15,000 thyroid patients over a four year period, we found the presence of complete and partial TBG deficiency and TBG excess to be 1:2,500, 1:200 and 1:15,000 respectively. Our study on the families of three affected patients revealed X-chromosome linked inheritance pattern of TBG deficiency in two families and TBG excess in one family. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that it would be beneficial to rule out THBP abnormalities before interpreting results of TFTs, particularly when there is large discrepancy between T4 and TSH levels. In case of inherited THBP abnormalities, the family members of the affected individual should also be screened to avoid misdiagnosis and erroneous treatment in case they develop thyroid dysfunction in future.

Changes in lipid peroxidation and free radical scavengers in kidney of hypothyroid and hyperthyroid rats.

Kidney weight was significantly decreased in hypothyroidism (induced by Na131I administration) and increased in hyperthyroidism (induced by thyroxine treatment) as compared to control in female Wistar rats. The tissue lipid peroxidation level remained unchanged in hyperthyroid rats but significantly increased in hypothyroid rats. Superoxide dismutase was decreased in both experimental groups but more so in hyperthyroid rats. Catalase was reduced significantly in hyperthyroid rats but remained unaffected in hypothyroid rats. Tissue glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity was increased while reduced glutathione levels remained unaltered in both hypothyroid and hyperthyroid rats. Plasma GPx activity was significantly low in both the hypothyroid and hyperthyroid rats. The results suggest alterations in the oxidative stress in hypothyroid and hyperthyroid rat kidneys with concomitant changes of free radical scavengers.