血清25羟-维生素D、碘营养状况与自身免疫性甲状腺病的相关性

目的探讨25羟-维生素D[25(OH)D]水平、碘营养状况和自身免疫性甲状腺疾病(AITD)的相关性。方法通过检测380例粤中西部地区居民的空腹血清25(OH)D水平、甲状腺功能、甲状腺自身抗体、尿碘等相关指标等,并比较25(OH)D缺乏患者治疗后相关指标的差异,分析血清25(OH)D、碘营养状况对AITD发病的影响。结果 Graves病(GD)组、桥本甲状腺炎(HT)组25(OH)D3水平显著低于健康对照组(P<0.05)。GD组血清25(OH)D3水平与促甲状腺激素受体抗体(TRAb)、游离三碘甲状腺原氨酸(FT3)、游离甲状腺素(FT4)呈显著负相关,与促甲状腺激素(TSH)呈显著正相关(P<0.01,P<0.05)。HT组血清25(OH)D3水平与抗甲状腺球蛋白抗体(TGAb)、抗甲状腺过氧化物酶抗体(TPOAb)、TSH呈显著负相关,与FT3、FT4呈显著正相关(P<0.01,P<0.05)。在GD组应用甲巯咪唑和HT组应用左甲状腺素的基础上加用活性维生素D连续治疗3个月后,GD组TRAb抗体水平明显降低,HT组TGAb、TPOAb抗体水平也明显降低(均P<0.05)。GD组和HT组尿碘中位数均较对照组高。尿碘高的AITD患者25(OH)D3水平缺乏更明显(P<0.05)。结论 AITD初发患者伴低维生素D水平,其中尿碘高的AITD患者25(OH)D3水平缺乏更明显。补充活性维生素D可降低其自身抗体水平。     

不同类型甲状腺疾病患者可溶性细胞间黏附分子-1变化及临床意义

目的探讨不同类型甲状腺疾病患者可溶性细胞间黏附分子-1(sICAM-1)变化及临床意义。方法选择初诊甲状腺疾病患者137例,其中Graves病(GD)69例(GD组)[伴Graves眼病(GO)20例],桥本甲状腺炎(HT)35例(HT组),单纯性甲状腺肿(SG)20例(SG组),非毒性结节性甲状腺肿(NTNG)13例(NTNG组)。另选健康查体者277例作为对照组。采用125I-sICAM-1 RIA方法检测各组血清sICAM-1,化学发光法检测FT3、FT4、sTSH,放免法检测甲状腺球蛋白抗体(TGAb)、甲状腺微粒体抗体(TMAb),ELISA法检测促甲状腺素受体抗体(TRAb)、甲状腺刺激免疫球蛋白(TSI);采用Spearman等级相关分析,分析sICAM-1与甲状腺功能及甲状腺自身抗体指标的相关性。结果与对照组比较,GD组、HT组sICAM-1明显升高(P均<0.01),GD组与HT组、SG组与NTNG组比较,P均>0.05;GO患者的sICAM-1明显高于非GO患者(P<0.05)。GD组sICAM-1与FT3、FT4呈正相关(r分别为0.467、0.441,P均<0.05),与TRAb、TSI、TGAb、TMAb无明显相关性(P均>0.05)。结论血清sI-CAM-1可作为免疫指标之一,辅助诊断GD、HT等甲状腺疾病。     

山东沿海地区碘营养状况和HLA等位基因DRB1*0301、DQB1*0602对自身免疫性甲状腺疾病发病的影响

目的　将山东沿海地区碘营养状况和HLA DRB1 0 3 0 1、DQB1 0 60 2等位基因等因素结合起来分析 ,观察它们对自身免疫性甲状腺疾病 (AITDs)发病的影响。方法　应用多聚酶链反应 序列特异性引物 (PCR SSP)技术 ,对已确诊的Graves病 (GD) 90例 ,桥本甲状腺炎 (HT) 43例和正常对照 90例 ,扩增其HLA等位基因DRB1 0 3 0 1、DQB1 0 60 2的目的DNA片段。同时采用国家标准化方法砷铈催化分光光度法测定不同人群尿碘浓度。结果　山东沿海地区GD和HT患者尿碘中位数显著高于对照组 (P <0 .0 5 )。GD和HT组尿碘浓度高于 3 0 0 μg/L者分布频率均显著高于对照组 (P <0 .0 5 )。DRB1 0 3 0 1( -)GD、HT患者尿碘中位数显著高于DRB1 0 3 0 1( -)的对照组 (P<0 .0 5 ) ;DQB1 0 60 2 ( +)GD、HT患者尿碘中位数显著高于DQB1 0 60 2 ( +)的对照组 (P <0 .0 5 )。多因素logistic回归分析发现尿碘浓度对数、DRB1 0 3 0 1与GD、HT的发病呈正相关 ,DQB1 0 60 2与GD、HT的发病呈负相关。结论　该地区GD、HT患者的碘摄入量偏高 ;碘和HLA等位基因DRB1 0 3 0 1、DQB1 0 60 2共同影响GD、HT的发病     

初发Graves病患者血清促甲状腺激素受体抗体水平的影响因素分析

目的分析初发Graves病(GD)患者体内促甲状腺激素受体抗体(TRAb)水平的影响因素。方法初发GD患者378例,采用酶联免疫吸附测定法检测患者血清TRAb,化学发光法检测血清甲状腺过氧化酶抗体(TPOAb)、甲状腺球蛋白抗体(TGAb)、游离甲状腺素(FT4)、游离三碘甲状腺原氨酸(FT3)和促甲状腺激素(TSH)。采用多元逐步回归分析法,以TRAb为应变量,以患者年龄、性别、病程、甲状腺质量、TGAb、TPOAb、是否突眼、FT3、FT4和TSH为自变量建立回归方程。结果甲状腺质量及合并Graves眼病(GO)与初发GD患者体内TRAb水平相关。结论甲状腺质量及合并GO是初发Graves病患者体内TRAb水平的影响因素。     

细胞角蛋白19、波形蛋白、血管内皮生长因子C和环氧化物酶2在Graves病和桥本甲状腺炎的表达及意义

目的 探讨细胞角蛋白19(CK-19)、波形蛋白(vimentin)、血管内皮生长因子C(VEGF-C)和环氧化物酶2(COX-2)表达在弥漫性毒性甲状腺肿(diffuse toxic goiter,Graves病,GD)和桥本甲状腺炎(HT)发生和发展中的作用.方法 采用免疫组织化学SP法检测57例Graves病和58例桥本甲状腺炎中CK-19、波形蛋白、VEGF-C、COX-2的表达.结果 CK-19、VEGF-C、COX-2表达于甲状腺滤泡上皮细胞的胞浆,波形蛋白在间质和滤泡上皮细胞的胞浆均有表达.HT中CK-19和VEGF-C表达阳性率(86.2％、96.6％)及阳性强度均高于GD(43.9％、56.1％,均P＜0.05),波形蛋白和COX-2表达的阳性率(100％、93.1％)近似于GD( 100％、91.2％),但COX-2的阳性强度明显高于GD(均P＜0.05).CK-19阳性率在GDⅢ型(81.3％)明显高于Ⅰ型(15.8％)和Ⅱ型(40.9％),HT的P型(100％)明显高于L型(66.7％).VEGF-C阳性率在GDⅢ型(87.5％)明显高于Ⅰ型(36.8％)和Ⅱ型(50.0％,均P＜0.05).结论 综合检测CK-19、波形蛋白、VEGF-C和COX-2四种免疫学指标,对探讨GD和HT发生、发展过程及预后评估具有一定的参考价值.     

Graves病甲状腺功能亢进症性肝损害的相关因素分析

目的 探讨影响Graves病甲状腺功能亢进症(甲亢)性肝功能损害的相关因素.方法 回顾性分析天津医科大学总医院2013年1月至2015年12月收治的Graves病住院患者254例,根据肝功能将患者分为Graves病甲亢性肝损害组(A组,n=159)和甲亢肝功能正常组(B组,n=95),比较两组的基础代谢率(BMR)、甲状腺重量、FT3、FT4、促甲状腺激素(TSH)、TSH受体抗体(TRAb)、甲状腺球蛋白抗体(TgAb)、甲状腺过氧化物酶抗体(TPOAb).采用Pearson相关性分析甲状腺重量、BMR、FT3、FT4、TRAb与甲亢性肝损害的相关性,应用Logistic回归分析甲亢性肝损害的独立危险因素.结果 A组的甲状腺重量、BMR、FT3、FT4、TRAb、TPOAb均高于B组,而TSH低于B组(t或z=-4.720～-2.276,P均＜0.05).Pearson相关性分析显示,甲状腺重量、BMR、FT3、FT4、TRAb与甲亢性肝损害的发生呈正相关(r=0.157～ 0.270,P均＜0.05).Logistic回归分析显示,FT3(OR=1.052,95％ CI:1.001～1.105)、BMR(OR=1.019,9.5％ CI:1.006 ～ 1,033)是Graves病甲亢性肝损害发生的独立危险因素(P均＜0.05).结论 Graves病甲亢性肝损害与FT3、FT4、TRAb、BMR、甲状腺重量有关.其中FT3、BMR为甲亢性肝损害发生的独立危险因素.     

缝隙连接蛋白43、26在自身免疫性甲状腺疾病患者甲状腺上皮细胞中的表达

目的 探讨缝隙连接蛋白43、26(Cx43、Cx26)在自身免疫性甲状腺疾病(AITD)患者甲状腺上皮细胞中的表达,探索其在AITD的发病机制、转归及预后中所起的作用.方法 采用二步法免疫组织化学技术(S-P法)测定甲状腺腺瘤旁正常甲状腺组织(对照组,16例)、Graves病(GD组,30例)和桥本甲状腺炎(HT组,30例)患者甲状腺上皮细胞中Cx43、Cx26的分布及表达情况.结果 ①对照、GD和HT组甲状腺上皮细胞均有Cx43、Cx26的表达.既定位于细胞质中,又定位于细胞膜上.②对照、GD和HT组甲状腺上皮细胞Cx43表达阳性率分别为75.00%(12/16)、100.00%(30/30)和33.33%(10/30),Cx26表达阳性率分别为68.75%(11/16)、100.00%(30/30)和20.00%(6/30).Cx43、Cx26在GD组的表达强度均明显高于对照组(Z值分别为4.782、5.310,P均<0.017),在HT组的表达强度均明显低于对照组(Z值分别为2.703、3.123,P均<0.017).结论 Cx43、Cx26可在人甲状腺上皮细胞中表达;Cx43、Cx26在AITD的表达强度存在异质性,这种缝隙连接蛋白表达的异质性可能与AITD的发生、发展及预后有关.     

桥本甲状腺炎患者血管内皮功能受损与低度炎症反应的关系

目的 探讨低水平的炎症反应在血脂正常的桥本甲状腺炎(HT)患者血管内皮功能受损中的作用.方法 将58例HT患者,分为甲状腺功能正常组(甲功正常组)28例,亚临床甲状腺功能减退组(甲减组)30例,并有28例正常人(对照组)纳入本实验.空腹静脉取血检测甘油三酯(TG)、总胆固醇(TC)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)、促甲状腺素(TSH)、游离甲状腺素(FT4)、游离三碘甲腺原氨酸(FT3)、甲状腺球蛋白抗体(TgAb)、甲状腺过氧化物酶抗体(TPOAb)、一氧化氮(NO)和超敏C-.反应蛋白(hs-CRP).结果 HT患者的甲功正常组、甲减组,分别与对照组比较,NO显著下降(P均＜0.01),而TgAb、TPOAb、hs-CRP则显著升高(P均＜0.01).HT患者中,甲功正常组与甲减组两两比较,NO、TgAb、TPOAb、hs-CRP均没有统计学差异(P均＞0.05).结论 血脂正常的HT患者存在血管内皮功能受损,可能是由于自身免疫异常的长期低水平的炎症反应,参与了HT患者的血管内皮功能损伤.     

Graves病患者131I治愈前后尿微量蛋白的变化观察

目的：探讨Graves病（简称GD）患者131 I治愈前后尿微量蛋白变化的影响因素。方法选择GD患者20例（GD组）,根据131I治愈前后分成治疗前的GD组、治愈3个月R3M组、治愈12个月R12M组,并设正常对照组20例。采用全自动化学免疫发光法检测血清游离甲功3项[包括游离三碘甲状腺原氨酸（ FT3）、游离甲状腺素（ FT4）、促甲状腺素（ TSH）]、促甲状腺受体抗体（ TRAb）、尿微量白蛋白（ Alb）、尿免疫球蛋白（IgG）、尿微球蛋白（β2-MG）含量。采用散射比浊法检测血清中超敏C反应蛋白（hs-CRP）。全自动血凝仪测定血清D-二聚体（ D-D）。 SPECT计算总肾小球滤过率（ TRGFR）。结果 GD组游离甲功3项与各组比较差异有统计学意义（ P＜0.01）。 GD组、R3M组的TRAb、Alb、IgG与其余组比较差异有统计学意义（ P＜0.01）。直线相关分析显示,FT3与Alb、IgG呈显著正相关（ r分别为0.64、0.72, P均＜0.01）, TRAb与Alb、IgG呈显著正相关（ r分别为0.66、0.56,P均＜0.01）。结论 GD肾损害的部位在肾小球,与免疫紊乱关系密切;GD相关抗体的消失可作为判断GD肾损害的恢复及治疗效果的参考指标。     

Graves病患者外周血Th1、Th2相关细胞因子的表达及意义

目的:探讨Th1/Th2细胞失衡在Graves病发病中的作用.方法:应用酶联免疫吸附法分别检测29例新诊断但未治疗的Graves病患者(GD组)和21例正常对照者(NC组)血清IFN-γ、IL-4(分别代表Th1、Th2分泌的细胞因子)水平,并与血清甲状腺过氧化物酶抗体(TPOAb)、甲状腺球蛋白抗体(TGAb)进行相关分析.结果:GD组患者IFN-γ水平与NC组差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);GD组患者IL-4水平较NC组高,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);GD患者血清IL-4与TPOAb水平呈显著正相关(r=0.419,P＜0.05),但IL-4与TGAb水平(r=0.357,P＞0.05)及IFN-γ与TPOAb/ TGAb水平均无相关性(分别为r=0.180,r=0.222;P＞0.05).结论:新诊断未治疗的Graves患者以分泌Th2型细胞因子为主,其Th1/Th2细胞免疫失衡偏向Th2细胞占优势的免疫应答.     

Three layer functional model and energy exchange concept of aging process

Relying on a certain degree of abstraction, we can propose that no particular distinction exists between animate or living matter and inanimate matter. While focusing attention on some specifics, the dividing line between the two can be drawn. The most apparent distinction is in the level of structural and functional organization with the dissimilar streams of ‘energy flow’ between the observed entity and the surrounding environment. In essence, living matter is created from inanimate matter which is organized to contain internal intense energy processes and maintain lower intensity energy exchange processes with the environment. Taking internal and external energy processes into account, we contend in this paper that living matter can be referred to as matter of dissipative structure, with this structure assumed to be a common quality of all living creatures and living matter in general. Interruption of internal energy conversion processes and terminating the controlled energy exchange with the environment leads to degeneration of dissipative structure and reduction of the same to inanimate matter, (gas, liquid and/or solid inanimate substances), and ultimately what can be called ‘death.’ This concept of what we call dissipative nature can be extended from living organisms to social groups of animals, to mankind. An analogy based on the organization of matter provides a basis for a functional model of living entities. The models relies on the parallels among the three central structures of any cell (nucleus, cytoplasm and outer membrane) and the human body (central organs, body fluids along with the connective tissues, and external skin integument). This three-part structural organization may be observed almost universally in nature. It can be observed from the atomic structure to the planetary and intergalactic organizations. This similarity is corroborated by the membrane theory applied to living organisms. According to the energy nature of living matter and the proposed functional model, the decreased integrity of a human body's external envelope membrane is a first cause of the structural degradation and aging of the entire organism. The aging process than progresses externally to internally, as in single cell organisms, suggesting that much of the efforts towards the restoration and maintenance of the mechanisms responsible for structural development should be focused accordingly, on the membrane, i.e., the skin. Numerous reports indicate that all parts of the human body, like: bones, blood with blood vessels, muscles, skin, and so on, have some ability for restoration. Therefore, actual revival of not only aging tissue of the human body's membrane, but the entire human body enclosed within, with all internal organs, might be expected. We assess several aging theories within the context of our model and provide suggestions on how to activate the body's own anti-aging mechanisms and increase longevity. This paper presents some analogies and some distinctions that exist between the living dissipative structure matter and inanimate matter, discusses the aging process and proposes certain aging reversal solutions.     

Unusual responses of nocturnal pineal melatonin synthesis and secretion to swimming: Attempts to define mechanisms

Abstract: The effect of swimming at night on rat pineal melatonin synthesis was compared with that of light exposure at night. Rats were forced to swim at 0030 hr (lights out at 2000 hr) and sacrificed by decapitation 15 and 30 min later, immediately after swimming. Other groups of animals were exposed to white light (650μW/cm²) for 15 and 30 min at same time. Swimming caused a rapid and highly significant drop in the melatonin content in the pineal gland; however, the activity of N-acetyltransferase (NAT), the supposed rate limiting enzyme in the melatonin production, was not changed. Despite the drop in pineal melatonin levels, serum concentrations of the indole remained elevated in the rats that swam. In contrast, melatonin levels in the pineal and serum of light exposed rats fell precipitously, accompanied by a significant suppression of NAT activity. Since we anticipated that the strenuous exercise associated with swimming may induce release of artrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) from the heart, which in turn could cause the release of pineal melatonin, in a second study we injected physiological saline intravenously to stretch the cardiac muscle and release ANP. Three milliliters of normal saline was injected during the day into the jugular vein of anesthetized rats that were pretreated with isoproterenol to stimulate pineal melatonin production. Animals were killed 15 min after the saline injection, and pineal NAT activity and pineal melatonin levels were measured. The saline injections caused no alteration in the elevated levels of either NAT or melatonin. These data suggest that the disparity in pineal NAT activity (which was high) and pineal melatonin (which was low), in animals swum at night, may not be caused by ANP which is released during strenuous exercise such as swimming.     

Melatonin and photoperiodic time measurement: Seasonal breeding in the sheep

Abstract: Well-established circadian physiology supports the view that photoperiodic time measurement utilizes the coincidence between the presence of light and a photosensitive phase of a 'biological clock' to alter reproductive status—the so-called external coincidence model of seasonal breeding. In this review, we examine the mechanism whereby photoperiod interacts with presumed suprachiasmatic nuclei activity to allow endogenous melatonin to normally synchronize reproductive activity to the optimal time of year. The Romney Marsh sheep is particularly explored as an experimental model. It is suggested that the on/off activity of seasonal reproduction may be a robust mechanism able to be predictably manipulated by the judicious use of the light/dark cycle and exogenous melatonin, but firmly based on circadian principles.     

MUTATION FREQUENCY IN NURSES AND PHARMACISTS WORKING WITH CYTOTOXIC DRUGS

Individuals occupationally exposed to cytotoxic drugs may be at risk owing to the effects of these agents on DNA. As an index of DNA damage, in vivo mutations were measured in lymphocytes from 24 oncology nurses or pharmacists and 24 matched controls. Mutation frequency was significantly increased in exposed individuals and appeared to be related to duration of exposure. However, the overall magnitude of the increase was small and its biological significance remains to be determined.     

A single injection of adrenergic agonists enhances pineal melatonin production in Turkish hamsters

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine whether the pineal gland of Turkish hamsters (Mesocricetus brandti) responds to adrenergic agonists with an increase in melatonin production, and, if it does, whether the sensitivity of the pineal gland to agonists would differ throughout the dark phase. Adult Turkish hamsters weighing 110–210 g received a subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol (ISO, 1 mg/kg B.W.) or norepinephrine (NE, 1 mg/kg B.W.) at different times of night. Animals exposed to LD 16:8 responded to ISO or NE with increased pineal melatonin content only when injected at dawn, when endogenous melatonin is at basal or near-basal levels. When the 8 hr scotophase was entirely replaced with light, the responsiveness to ISO injections at dawn disappeared. In animals exposed to light from 30 min prior to injection to the time of sacrifice, ISO injections increased pineal melatonin content (P < 0.005, three-way ANOVA), which varied, depending on the specific time of injection (effect of time of night, P < 0.05, three-way ANOVA). These results demonstrate that (1) adrenergic agonists enhance the production of pineal melatonin in Turkish hamsters, (2) this stimulatory effect takes place late, but not early in the 8 hr scotophase, and (3) the adrenergic induction of pineal melatonin production in Turkish hamsters requires priming by darkness during the appropriate circadian phase.     

Immune effector mechanisms in malaria: An update focusing on human immunity

The past decade has witnessed dramatic decreases in malaria‐associated mortality and morbidity around the world. This progress has largely been due to intensified malaria control measures, implementation of rapid diagnostics and establishing a network to anticipate and mitigate antimalarial drug resistance. However, the ultimate tool for malaria prevention is the development and implementation of an effective vaccine. To date, malaria vaccine efforts have focused on determining which of the thousands of antigens expressed by Plasmodium falciparum are instrumental targets of protective immunity. The antigenic variation and antigenic polymorphisms arising in parasite genes under immune selection present a daunting challenge for target antigen selection and prioritization, and is a given caveat when interpreting immune recall responses or results from monovalent vaccine trials. Other immune evasion strategies executed by the parasite highlight the myriad of ways in which it can become a recurrent infection. This review provides an update on immune effector mechanisms in malaria and focuses on our improved ability to interrogate the complexity of human immune system, accelerated by recent methodological advances. Appreciating how the human immune landscape influences the effectiveness and longevity of antimalarial immunity will help explain which conditions are necessary for immune effector mechanisms to prevail.     

Secondary aortoduodenal fistula

Aorto-duodenal fistulae （ADF） are the most frequent aorto-enteric fistulae （80%）, presenting with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. We report the first case of a man with a secondary aorto-duodenal fistula presenting with a history of persistent occlusive syndrome. A 59-year old man who underwent an aortic-bi-femoral bypass 5 years ago, presented with dyspepsia and biliary vomiting. Computed tomography scan showed in the third duodenal segment the presence of inflammatory tissue with air bubbles between the duodenum and prosthesis, adherent to the duodenum. The patient was submitted to surgery, during which the prosthesis was detached from the duodenum, the intestine failed to close and a gastro-jejunal anastomosis was performed. The post-operative course was simple, secondary ADF was a complication （0.3%-2%） of aortic surgery. Mechanical erosion of the prosthetic material into the bowel was due to the lack of interposed retroperitoneal tissue or the excessive pulsation of redundantly placed grafts or septic procedures. The third or fourth duodenal segment was most frequently involved. Diagnosis of ADF was difficult. Surgical treatment is always recommended by explorative laparotomy. ADF must be suspected whenever a patient with aortic prosthesis has digestive bleeding or unexplained obstructive syndrome. Rarely the clinical picture of ADF is subtle presenting as an obstructive syndrome and in these cases the principal goal is to effectively relieve the mechanical bowel obstruction.     

Serological survey of HIV and syphilis in pregnant women in Madagascar

Objectives Peripartal transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Treponema pallidum, the causative agent of syphilis, leads to severe consequences for newborns. Preventive measures require awareness of the maternal infection. Although HIV and syphilis testing in Madagascar could be theoretically carried out within the framework of the national pregnancy follow‐up scheme, the required test kits are rarely available at peripheral health centres. In this study, we screened blood samples of pregnant Madagascan women for HIV and syphilis seroprevalence to estimate the demand for systemic screening in pregnancy. Methods Retrospective anonymous serological analysis for HIV and syphilis was performed in plasma samples from 1232 pregnant women that were taken between May and July 2010 in Ambositra, Ifanadiana, Manakara, Mananjary, Moramanga and Tsiroanomandidy (Madagascar) during pregnancy follow‐up. Screening was based on Treponema pallidum haemagglutination tests for syphilis and rapid tests for HIV, with confirmation of positive screening results on line assays. Results Out of 1232 pregnant women, none were seropositive for HIV and 37 (3%) were seropositive for Treponema pallidum. Conclusions Our findings are in line with previous studies that describe considerable syphilis prevalence in the rural Madagascan population. The results suggest a need for screening to prevent peripartal Treponema pallidum transmission, while HIV is still rare. If they are known, Treponema pallidum infections can be easily, safely and inexpensively treated even in pregnancy to reduce the risk of transmission.     

Married to M. tuberculosis: risk of infection and disease in spouses of smear-positive tuberculosis patients

Objectives To quantify the risk of infection and disease in spouses of tuberculosis patients and the extent to which intervention could reduce the risk in this highly exposed group. Methods We compared HIV prevalence, TB prevalence and incidence and tuberculin skin test (TST) results in spouses of TB patients and community controls. HIV‐positive spouses were offered isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT), and TST was repeated at 6, 12 and 24 months. Results We recruited 148 spouses of smear‐positive patients ascertained prospectively and 3% had active TB. We identified 203 spouses of previously diagnosed smear‐positive patients, 11 had already had TB, and the rate of TB was 2.4 per 100 person years(py) over 2 years (95% CI 1.15–5.09). 116 were found alive and recruited. HIV prevalence was 37% and 39% in the prospective and retrospective spouse groups and 17% in controls. TST was ≥10 mm in 80% of HIV negative and in 57% of HIV‐positive spouses ascertained retrospectively; 74% HIV negative and 62% HIV‐positive spouses ascertained prospectively, and 48% HIV negative and 26% HIV‐positive community controls. Of 54 HIV‐positive spouses, 18 completed 6‐month IPT. At 2 year follow‐up, 87% of surviving spouses had TST ≥10 mm and the rate of TB was 1.1 per 100 py (95% CI 0.34–3.29). Conclusions Spouses are a high‐risk group who should be screened for HIV and active TB. TST prevalence was already high by the time the spouses were approached but further infections were seen to occur. Uptake and adherence to IPT was disappointing, lessening the impact of short‐duration therapy.