Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Infection in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients

Abstract

Infections are among the most important causes of morbidity and mortality in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The immune disturbances intrinsic to SLE and the long-term administration of immunosuppressive drugs account for an increased risk of infectious complications. Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the serious infection has been reported in SLE patients, with an increased frequency of extrapulmonary forms and high mortality rates, especially in developing countries, where TB is endemic. The aim of this study was to measure frequency of mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in adult SLE patients & its relation to disease duration, activity, damage and treatment. The study enrolled 100 adult SLE patients whom were subjected to the following; Detailed history taking with special emphasis on: age, sex, smoking, disease duration, Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination, immunosuppressive drug therapy and family history of TB, full Clinical examination, assessment of SLE disease activity using the BILAG disease activity index and disease damage using SLICC/ACR Damage Index, Tuberculin skin test (TST), QuantiFERON-TB GOLD In-Tube (QFT-GIT) test, CXR, CBC, ESR, KFTs, Urine analysis, Protein / Creatinine ratio.