Abstract: Objective To detect interferon-γ level in tuberculous and non-tuberculous inflammatory and malignant pleural effusions,and explore its role for differentiation of diagnosis.Methods To detect interferon-γ level of 51 tuberculous pleurisy cases,30 malignant pleurisy cases and 20 non-tuberculous pleurisy cases by ELISA.Results There was a significant difference of interferon-γ levels different groups.The levels in tuberculous pleurisy group was 58.75±70.89 pg/ml.It is higher than that in other two groups (P<0.01).The levels in group of malignant pleurisy was 54.64±36.67 pg/ml and in the group of non-tuberculous pleurisy was 58.75±47.26 pg/ml.Conclusion The levels of interferon-γ could be an important reference indicator for diagnosis of tuberculous pleurisy.

Key words: Pleural effusions, Tuberculosis, Interferon-γ, Diagnosis