Unveiling host proteomic signatures in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of active pulmonary tuberculosis: Towards development of serum based diagnostic tools

This study aims to identify specific proteins in the lung fluid of patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis to help develop a simple blood-based test for early diagnosis. Lung fluid samples collected during routine bronchoscopy and blood samples from the same patients and healthy individuals will be analyzed using proteomic methods to find differences in protein levels. A few acute phase proteins showing significant changes will be selected and measured in serum using ELISA to assess their potential as diagnostic markers. The findings may help design easier and safer diagnostic tests for tuberculosis, especially useful in patients who cannot provide sputum samples or have negative sputum results.