Differential expression of monocyte surface markers among TB patients with diabetes co-morbidity

The expression of monocyte surface markers was compared between tuberculosis patients with and without type 2 diabetes (DM2). DM2 was associated with increased CCR2 expression, which may restrain monocyte traffic to the lung. Other host factors associated with baseline monocyte changes were older age (associated with lower CD11b) and obesity (associated with higher RAGE). Given that DM2 patients are more likely to be older and obese, their monocytes are predicted to be altered in function in ways that affect their interaction with Mycobacterium tuberculosis.