The use of interferon gamma release assays in the diagnosis of active tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis Research and Treatment
Silvan M VesenbeckhHolger Rüssmann

Abstract

Interferon gamma release assays (IGRAs) are in vitro immunologic diagnostic tests used to identify Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. They cannot differentiate between latent and active infections. The cutoff suggested by the manufacturer is 0.35 IU/mL for latent tuberculosis. As IGRA tests were recently approved for the differential diagnosis of active tuberculosis, we assessed the diagnostic accuracy of the latest generation IGRA for detection of active tuberculosis in a low-incidence area in Germany. Our consecutive case series includes 61 HIV negative, Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture positive patients, as well as 234 control patients. The retrospective analysis was performed over a period of two years. In 11/61 patients with active tuberculosis (18.0%) the test result was <0.35 IU/mL, resulting in a sensitivity of 0.82. We recommend establishing a new cut-off value for the differential diagnosis of active tuberculosis assessed by prospective clinical studies and in various regions with high and low prevalence of tuberculosis.

References

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Citations

Aug 13, 2013·Clinics in Laboratory Medicine·Robert F Luo, Niaz Banaei
Mar 12, 2016·International Journal of Mycobacteriology·Eman SobhWegdan Amer
Dec 1, 2012·International Journal of Mycobacteriology·Ali Kadri CirakAyriz Gunduz

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