In this study, we explored the expression of scavenger receptor CD163 on monocyte subsets in populations with different tuberculosis infection statuses including active tuberculosis, latent tuberculosis infection and non-infection, detected the sCD163 levels in plasma and pleural effusions, further assessed the value of sCD163 in diagnosing tuberculosis and in predicting the disease severity and treatment outcome. The gene discussed is CD163; the disease is tuberculosis.