BIOLOGICAL METHODS FOR DIAGNOSING ACTIVE TUBERCULOSIS OR FOR DETERMINING THE RISK OF A LATENT TUBERCULOSIS INFECTION PROGRESSING TO ACTIVE TUBERCULOSIS AND MATERIALS FOR USE THEREIN

摘要

A method for diagnosing active tuberculosis (ATB) in an individual comprising of the steps of; providing a sample to be tested from the individual; measuring the expression in the test sample of GBP6 (guanylate binding protein 6) and/or BATF2 (basic leucine zipper ATF-like transcription factor 2), wherein the expression in the test sample of GBP6 and/or BATF2 is indicative of the presence of active tuberculosis in the individual. In some embodiments, the levels of expression in the test sample are compared to the expression in a control sample from a healthy individual and/or an individual afflicted with active tuberculosis (ATB). Also claimed is a binding agent specific for GBP6 or BATF2, for determining the presence of ATB in an individual. Additionally, a nucleic acid molecule encoding GBP6 or BATF2, or a binding moiety specific therefor, for determining the presence of ATB in an individual. A kit for determining the presence of an ATB infection in an individual is also disclosed, comprising one or more binding agents against GBP6 or BATF2 or other additional biomarkers and instructions for performing the claimed method.