TNF ALPHA LEVELS OF BCG VACCINATED NEONATES IN PARTS OF EDO AND DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

Eyaufe A. A. O.,* Esumeh F. I., Osagie R. N., Adeniran K., Alikah S., Festus O. O., Iserhienihien O., Unuabonah F. H. and Okodua M. A.

ABSTRACT

This study assesses BCG uptake by determining quantitatively TNF alpha levels pre(before BCG was administered) and post BCG vaccination(six weeks after BCG was administered). The cytokine, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) plays a paramount role in curtailing infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis in humans. M. tuberculosis can counter this TNFα based defense by decreasing host cell TNF production. Three hundred and seventy three serum samples were analyzed for TNF α using the human TNF ELISA kit (Boster Biological Technology Co. Ltd, USA). In Irrua, 191 samples (130 pre- BCG vaccination and 61 post-vaccination) were analyzed, while in Asaba, 182 samples (120 pre-BCG vaccination and 62 post BCG vaccination) were analyzed. In Asaba, TNFα levels was the same pre-BCG vaccination in both centres. Post vaccination, TNFα levels in Asaba was significantly higher (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in TNFα levels of male and female infants pre and post BCG vaccinations. There was weak correlation between age and TNF alpha levels. The decrease in TNF levels post BCG vaccination reveals that, the vaccine did not enhance TNFα levels, which is crucial in Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Thus it is necessary to develop tuberculosis vaccines that can enhance TNFα production. This study also shows that in neonates, age and gender did not affect TNF alpha response.

Keywords: TNF?, BCG, Neonates.