Abstract:

Tuberculosis is a major infectious disease that seriously threatens human health. Although global progress has been made in its prevention and control, its morbidity and mortality rates remain high. The situation for tuberculosis control in China is particularly severe, posing a significant public health challenge. In the clinical management of tuberculosis, unresolved difficulties persist, including the risk assessment of progression from latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), the early detection of active tuberculosis (ATB), and the monitoring of anti-tuberculosis therapy. As objective indicators reflecting the host’s pathological and immunological responses, biomarkers are crucial for optimizing diagnosis and guiding individualized therapy. To this end, the Chinese Antituberculosis Association, Guangzhou National Laboratory, and Jiangxi Chest Hospital jointly organized domestic experts in relevant fields, combined with the latest progress at home and abroad and China’s national conditions, to develop the Expert consensus on the application of host biomarkers for tuberculosis. This consensus focuses on host-derived biomarkers, systematically reviewing the current applications and evidence for those based on cell-mediated immune responses, host gene expression profiles, and cytokines in the management of tuberculosis. Furthermore, it addresses key clinical questions—including the diagnosis and progression risk assessment of LTBI, early and differential diagnosis of ATB, identification of drug-resistant tuberculosis, dynamic monitoring of treatment response, and prediction of relapse risk. Based on the principles of evidence-based medicine, the consensus puts forward specific recommendations and practical suggestions. It aims to provide guidance for clinicians, laboratory professionals, and public health practitioners in China on the scientific selection, standardized application, and accurate interpretation of tuberculosis biomarkers, with the goal of improving the level of tuberculosis prevention and control.

Key words: Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Infection, Biological markers, Diagnosis, differential, Consensus development conferences as topic