The purpose of this study is to understand how immune responses within the lung protect against respiratory infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the organism that causes tuberculosis (TB). Volunteers will be asked to participate in studies of immune cells obtained from the blood and lung. Lung cells are obtained by the procedure of bronchoalveolar lavage, which involves passing a flexible tube into the lungs and washing cells out from a small portion of one lung. Blood samples are obtained for screening evaluation and for comparison with the studies of the lung cells.
Participants must be ages 18-50. We are seeking volunteers who have a history of a positive TB skin test (also known as “PPD testing” or “tuberculin testing”) or a TB blood test. Healthy non-smokers may also participate as control subjects. For all study groups, we cannot include volunteers who are current smokers, or who have asthma or other chronic lung disorders. Volunteers will be financially compensated and this is an ongoing trial.
Any questions and for more information, please contact laboratory of Dr. Richard Silver by e-mail: silverlaboratory@UHHospitals.org, or by phone at (216) 368-0531.