Immunomodulator Effect of Topical Zinc Oxide Application in Tuberculin Skin Test

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NUHOĞLU Ç., HEPKAYA E., ÖNAL Z. E., AKICI N., GÜRBÜZ T., ATASAYAN V., ...More

İstanbul Kuzey Klinikleri, vol.5, no.1, pp.37-40, 2018 (Peer-Reviewed Journal) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 5 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2018
  • Doi Number: 10.14744/nci.2017.88896
  • Journal Name: İstanbul Kuzey Klinikleri
  • Journal Indexes: TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
  • Page Numbers: pp.37-40
  • Keywords: Purified protein derivative, tuberculin skin test, zinc
  • Istanbul Medipol University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the sensitivity of tuberculin skintest (purified protein derivative-PPD) by topical zinc application on test site to improve diagnostic reliability.METHODS: We performed this study in 100 children aged 6–14 years, and plasma zinc levels were analyzed after 10–12 hours fasting. After PPD,we applied 40% zinc oxide cream on one forearm and placebo on the other forearm. PPD indurations were measured 72 hours later.RESULTS: In this study, 26% of the children showed increases in PPD induration following local zinc applications. There was no correlation between indurations size and serum zinc levels.CONCLUSION: We concluded that topical zinc cream application can enhance sensitivity of tuberculin reactivityin the diagnosis of tuberculosis.