Aim: To estimate and to compare the serum level of cerulo- plasmin, albumin (C/A) and its ratio in newly diagnosed TB patients, patients on treatment, cured patients, and normal healthy individuals. To determine its role in the diagnosis and prognosis of the PTB patients.

Settings and Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted at TB hospital attached to KAPV Medical College, Tiruchirappalli, over a period of 3-month.

Materials and Methods: 100 individuals which includes 75 TB patients with sputum-positive pulmonary tuberculosis and 25 healthy controls were taken for the study and divided into 4 groups. Group 1 - newly diagnosed patients, Group 2 - patients on treatment, Group 3 - cured patients, and Group 4 - normal healthy individuals. Serum ceruloplasmin was estimated by RAVINS method. Serum albumin was measured by BCG method. Statistical analy- sis was done by SPSS-16 software.

Results: Mean value of C/A ratio in Groups 1-4 were 21 ± 7.69, 19 ± 4.4, 3.2 ± 0.38, and 4.3 ± 0.52, respectively. C/A ratio is significantly increased (P < 0.01) in newly diagnosed TB patients when compared to normal individuals. The C/A ratio in cured patients is significantly decreased when compared to newly diagnosed patients (P < 0.01).

Conclusion: In spite of recent advances and newer techniques, biochemical parameters which include C/A ratio can be used as a marker to assist in the diagnosis and prognosis of the disease.