Changes in serum proteins (albumin, immunoglobulins and acute phase proteins) in pulmonary tuberculosis during therapy

Serum levels of three immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA & IgM), albumin and six acute phase proteins (α1-antitrypsin, haptoglobin, transferrin, α2-macroglobulin, complements C3 & C4) were measured by immunoelectrophoresis in 57 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis when they were first diagnosed, and followed at 1 month, 2 month and 4 month intervals during anti-tuberculosis treatment. These values were compared to those from 41 healthy controls. Significant increases were observed in the initial values of serum IgG, IgM, α1-antitrypsin and haptoglobin, while transferrin and α2-macroglobulin levels were significantly reduced. No changes were observed in the levels of serum albumin, IgA and complement C3. Levels of all measured proteins decreased with treatment. However, at 4 months, IgG and α1-antitrypsin were still significantly elevated when compared to control values, while the level of haptoglobin had decreased to a level significantly lower than that of the control value.