A Comparative Evaluation of IGRAs for Detecting Latent TB Infection

The QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube assay and the T-SPOT.TB test performed similarly well in TST-positive contacts of TB patients.

Interferon-γ release assays (IGRAs) are new options for diagnosing latent TB infection (LTBI), but their precise role is still undefined. In a recent study involving close contacts of 123 culture-confirmed pulmonary TB cases reported to the Hamburg, Germany, Public Health Department from December 2006 through February 2008, researchers compared the QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT) assay with the T-SPOT.TB (T-SPOT) test. All contacts received tuberculin skin tests (TSTs) ≥8 weeks after the source patients had tested positive. Interviewers using a standardized questionnaire obtained sociodemographic data and information about the contacts’ TB exposure.

Among 2004 contacts, 842 (all immunocompetent) developed a TST reaction >5 mm and had b…

Reviewing Author

Thomas Glück, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsConsilium Infectiorum by InfectoPharm, Infection

Thomas Glück, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsConsilium Infectiorum by InfectoPharm, Infection

A Comparative Evaluation of IGRAs for Detecting Latent TB Infection

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Reviewing Author