Association Between TLR2 Gene Mutations and Pulmonary Function in Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Background: Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), which is expressed on myeloid cells, detects harmful substances from invading infections or host-damaged tissues, leading to inflammation. Objectives: Evaluation of the effects of TLR2 gene mutation on pulmonary function in pulmonary tuberculosis. Methods: A prospective observational study lasting from January 2024 to December 2024 carried out on a sample of Iraqi patients from Kirkuk city who attended TB units at primary health care districts. Spirometry was done for all patients 2 months after the onset of anti-TB treatment and again after 6 months at the end of the treatment course. Blood samples from all patients were collected for TLR2 genetic analysis. Results: The results showed a significant difference in FEV1 (44 ± 14.6), (59.5 ± 25.6) between mutants and non-mutants respectively, after 2 months of starting anti-TB treatment, while there was a significant difference in FEV1/FVC (98.2 ± 8.1), (107.7 ± 11.1) between mutants and non-mutants respectively, after 6 months of starting anti-TB treatment. Conclusion: TLR2 mutations in PTB provide new insights into future research and treatment plans as a possible biomarker for respiratory dysfunction.