This test is used to analyze the level of adenosine deaminase enzyme present in the blood of an individual. This test is useful in identifying the severity of tuberculosis. The estimation of bacterial load in an individual is useful in providing successful and effective treatment.
What is Adenosine Deaminase?
Adenosine deaminase is an enzyme which plays a role in the conversion of adenosine to inosine during purine metabolism. The enzyme breaks down the adenosine present in food and for the synthesis of nucleic acids within cells. It also plays a role in the development and maintenance of immunity within the body. The enzyme stimulates the release of immune cells in the presence of bacterial, viral or other infective agents. Absence of adenosine deaminase enzyme may prevent the formation of immune cells (T-Lymphocytes, B-Lymphocytes) which leads to reduced immunity and increased sensitivity to bacterial and viral infections.
What is Tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis TB is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis MTB. Generally, TB affects the lungs and sometimes it can also affect other organs and parts of the body. MTB is airborne and can spread through the air from one person to another. Individuals who are suffering from TB may experience symptoms such as cough which lasts more than 2-3 weeks, cough with blood, chest pain, difficulty in breathing, weight loss, fever, night sweats, etc.
Why is this test recommended?
This test is recommended when you may experience certain symptoms like difficulty in breathing, chest pain or pressure, weakness, dizziness, swelling, and painful joints, difficulty moving, weakness or tenderness of joints, muscle and back pain, redness around major joints like knees, fever, upper abdominal pain or feeling of fullness, etc.
This test can also be recommended by the doctor if you had suffered from diseases like tuberculosis, bacterial or viral meningitis, leukemia (cancer which affects the blood and bone marrow), autoimmune diseases, or any other similar illnesses in the past.
Inform your doctor if you are on any medications, have any allergies or underlying medical conditions before your ADA. Your doctor will give specific instructions depending on your condition on how to prepare for ADA.
Higher levels of adenosine deaminase in the blood may indicate the presence of tuberculosis. High levels of ADA(Adenosine deaminase) in blood in non-tubercular patients may indicate that the individual may have any autoimmune disorders, cancer or any other diseases/disorders.
Based on the test results, your doctor may advise you appropriate medical treatments, lifestyle modifications, or further diagnostic tests, etc.
Gender | Age groups | Value |
MALE | All age groups | increased in tb |
FEMALE | All age groups | increased in tb |