Analysis of CXCL11 Levels and Chest X-Ray Findings in Drug-Sensitive and Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Patients

Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health problem, with an increasing incidence of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) contributing to low treatment success rates. Difficulty in early differentiation between drug-sensitive tuberculosis (DS-TB) and DR-TB may lead to delays in appropriate therapy. CXCL11 is a proinflammatory chemokine involved in the immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is thought to be associated with disease severity and radiological lung findings.

Methods: This was an observational analytic study with a cross-sectional design. The study subjects were patients with DS-TB and DR-TB who were hospitalized or followed up. Serum CXCL11 levels were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Chest X-ray findings were assessed based on the severity of pulmonary lesions. Statistical analysis was performed to compare CXCL11 levels and CXR severity between the two groups and to evaluate the correlation between them.

Results: CXCL11 levels were higher in patients with DR-TB compared to those with DS-TB. Chest X-ray findings in DR-TB patients showed greater severity, with more extensive lesions and multiple cavitations. A significant correlation was found between CXCL11 levels and the severity of radiological findings in both DS-TB and DR-TB patients (p < 0.05; r = 0.477).

Conclusion: CXCL11 levels are higher in patients with DR-TB than in those with DS-TB and are associated with the severity of chest X-ray findings. CXCL11 has the potential to be used as an inflammatory biomarker to assist in stratifying drug sensitivity in tuberculosis patients.

Keywords: Tuberculosis, CXCL11, Drug-Sensitive Tuberculosis, Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis, Chest X-Ray