C1q and HBHA-specific IL-13 levels as surrogate plasma biomarkers for monitoring tuberculosis treatment efficacy: a cross-sectional cohort study in Paraguay

Introduction: New diagnostic tools are needed to rapidly assess the efficacy of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate several immune biomarkers in an observational and cross-sectional cohort study conducted in Paraguay. Methods: heparin binding hemagglutinin (rmsHBHA) as stimulation antigen. Complete blood counts and liver enzyme assays were also evaluated and correlated with biomarker levels in plasma. Results: load in sputum. Finally, a combinatorial analysis identified a plasma host signature comprising the detection of C1q and IL-13 levels in response to rmsHBHA as a tool differentiating PTB patients from cured TB profiles, with an AUC of 0.92 (sensitivity 94% and specificity 79%). Conclusion: This observational study provides new insights on host immune responses throughout anti-TB treatment and emphasizes the role of host C1q and HBHA-specific IL-13 response as surrogate plasma biomarkers for monitoring TB treatment efficacy.