Monitoring Patients for Developing Communicable and Opportunistic Infections and for Responding to Therapy

Patients are exposed to infectious agents regularly, regardless of their immunologic status. Traditionally clinicians have decided to institute prophylaxis based on epidemiologic factors, skin test (i.e. PPD), or immunologic parameters. A quantitative and specific method that is non-invasive, such as quantitative PCR, would be desirable to more precisely define those who would benefit from prophylaxis. Similarly, when patients develop disease and are being treated, quantitative, non-invasive techniques are needed to assess response to therapy. This project is designed to develop and test quantitative tests using blood, urine, or sputum samples.

Patients older than 18 years of age.

Ability to give informed consent.

No medical contraindication to phlebotomy.

Epidemiologically at risk for tuberculosis or for an opportunistic infection.

Patients who can identify a responsible health care provider as someone willing to provide clinical information and to receive medically important information.