Tarbiat Modares University Pathobiology Research 2538-3000 29 3 2026 06 01 Status of serum antibodies against Mycobacterium tuberculosis among sulfur mustard-poisoned Iranian veterans three decades after exposure 28740 10.48311/mjms.2026.120323.82624 EN KOBRA SHIRANI Unit 6.No 1,North golestan Mahestan shahrak gharb Mahmood Sadeghi Medical Toxicology and Drug Abuse Research Center, School of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran. Alireza Ghassemi Toussi Medical Toxicology Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Behzad Bahadori Imam Reza Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Bamdad Riahi Medical Toxicology Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Journal Article 2026 05 09 Background: Sulfur mustard (SM)-exposed veterans suffer from chronic respiratory complications. Many receive immunosuppressive therapy to alleviate pulmonary inflammation, which may create a favorable environment for opportunistic pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB). Timely diagnosis and treatment of TB could improve their respiratory status. This study aimed to assess serum levels of specific anti-TB antibodies (IgM, IgG, IgA) as a screening tool to evaluate TB status in this population.<br>Methods: Serum anti-TB antibody levels were measured using commercial ELISA kits (Alpha Diagnostic, USA) in 35 male Iranian veterans with at least 25% disability due to SM poisoning three decades earlier.<br>Results: Titers of all anti-TB antibody classes (IgM, IgG, IgA) were below the cut-off value (<8 U/mL) for all veterans, indicating negative results. No borderline (8–12 U/mL) or positive (>12 U/mL) results were observed.<br>Conclusion: The universally low antibody levels may reflect SM induced dysfunction of both innate and adaptive immunity. Alternatively, the results could indicate the absence of active TB and suggest that revaccination against TB might be considered for these veterans by their physicians.