Feritín a transferín ako potenciálne biomarkery pediatrickej tuberkulózy
Ferritin and Transferrin as Potential Biomarkers of Pediatric Tuberculosis

Summary/Abstract: Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) in the pediatric population remains a major diagnostic challenge. Alterations in iron metabolism, including changes in ferritin and transferrin levels, may reflect not only the host inflammatory response but also iron availability for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). The aim of this study was to compare plasma ferritin and transferrin concentrations in pediatric patients with different forms of TB and in controls. Methods: A total of 145 pediatric patients with TB or suspected TB hospitalized at pediatric departments in Dolný Smokovec, Slovakia, and Prague between 2024 and 2025 were included in the study. Plasma ferritin and transferrin concentrations were measured in these patients. The patients were divided into four groups: bacteriologically confirmed TB (bact. TB; n = 22), clinically confirmed TB (clin. TB; n = 36), tuberculosis infection (TBI; n = 29), and controls (n = 58). Results: Transferrin levels were significantly decreased in patients with bact. TB compared with the other groups. In contrast, ferritin concentrations did not differ significantly among the groups, although higher levels were observed in the bact. TB group. These findings reflect differing patterns of ferritin and transferrin in association with active disease. Conclusion: Transferrin and ferritin may be useful biomarkers of TB in pediatric patients, with transferrin appearing to have greater diagnostic potential in our cohort. Since both parameters may reflect not only TB-related processes but also alterations in iron metabolism and the inflammatory response, their diagnostic value may be enhanced when evaluated in combination with other biomarkers.

• Details
• Contents