Poziom lektyny wiążącej mannozę (MBL) u chorych na gruźlicę

Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) constitutes an important element in innate immune response against invading microorganisms. On the other hand, it has also been suggested that MBL, due their opsonic activity, might facilitate the uptake of certain intracellular pathogens. The aim of this study was to investigate whether MBL plays a role in tuberculosis. MBL serum concentration was determined in 68 patients with tuberculosis (TB), 30 patients with non-TB lung diseases and in 64 healthy controls. Serum MBL level was tested by an ELISA test with S. cerevisiae mannan -coated microtiter plates. Generaly, TB patients had significantly higher MBL levels than both control groups, and in TB group percentage of individuals with highest MBL level was significantlyhigher(39.7%).Theseresults indicate that high levels of MBL may be involved in the pathogenesis of tuberculosis and to be a relative disadvantage in mycobacterial infection