THE USE OF ADENOSINE-DEAMINASE ASSAYS IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF TUBERCULOSIS

Abstract

A rapid method for the estimation of adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity in cerebrospinal, pleural, peritoneal and pericardial fluids was described. Tuberculous effusions show significantly higher levels of ADA activity compared due to other underlying lesions such as neoplasms, bacterial and viral infections and simple transudates. Similarly, tuberculous meningitis results in raised ADA activity in the CSF when compared with the CSF from patients with other neurological disorders and from normal subjects. The results in 359 cases studied indicate the value of ADA assays in the diagnosis of tuberculous diseases. Levels > 30 IU/l in effusions and > 6 IU/l in the CSF indicate probable tuberculosis.