Adenosine deaminase activity in serum and pleural effusions of tuberculous and non-tuberculous patients.

In a retrospective study Adenosine deaminase (ADA), was assayed in 86 serum samples and 12 pleural fluid samples of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. Serum and pleural fluid ADA levels were also examined in a group of 38 non-tuberculous patients with pleural effusion. Highly significant increases in both serum and pleural fluid ADA levels were noted in tuberculous patients when compared to both control enzyme cut-off values and non-tuberculous pleural effusion patients. Negative Ziehl-Nielsen staining for acid fast bacilli and Purified Protein Derivative skin test results were obtained in 32.3% and 11.1% of the examined patients respectively. All these patients showed significantly elevated serum or pleural fluid ADA levels. It is hereby suggested that serum and pleural fluid ADA levels can in conjunction with other tests, serve as a marker in patients of pulmonary tuberculosis.