Efect of tubercle bacilli on plasma fibrinogen and fibrinolytic activi

Abstract

Background: In the last decade an increase in the incidence of tuberculosis has been observed, due in part to the growing number of AIDS. The tubercle bacilli are thought is to have various effects on the properties of blood. Aim of Study: To determine the effect of tubercle bacilli on plasma fibrinogen and fibrinolytic activities in patients with tuberculosis. Patients and Methods: A total of 100 subjects, 40 pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients (18 males and 22 female age range 20 – 40 years) microbiologically diagnosed attending the out patient clinic was studied. The parameters studied include plasma fibrinogen and euglobulin lysis time.
Results: Plasma fibrinogen (PF) and euglobulin lysis time (ELT) was significantly higher (P<0.001) in TB patients undergoing therapy and were more so in new patients compared with controls respectively. There was positive linear correlation between PF Vs ELT (r = 0.3622, P,<0.05) and negative linear correlation was observed between PF Vs PA, r =0.4035; P<0.05).
Conclusion: The results show impaired fibrinolytic activity and hyperfibrinogenemia suggesting predisposition to thrombosis in African PTB patients.

Key Words: Pulmonary Tuberculosis, fibrinogen, euglobulin lysis time, therapy.