Developing a Blood Test to Differentiate Between Active and Latent TB

In a pilot study, measurement of IL-8, IL-18, and IL-33 in TB-antigen–stimulated whole-blood assays distinguished active TB from latent infection with >85% accuracy.

Latent TB infection (LTBI) occurs in about 25% of the world's population, and active TB (ATB) arises from LTBI when the immune system is compromised secondary to immunosuppressive treatments, chemotherapy, HIV infection, or aging. Interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) can determine whether an individual has ever been infected with TB, but do not differentiate ATB from LTBI. Now, researchers in China are developing a laboratory test to make that distinction. Enrollees in this study of immunologic marker profiles included 16 adults without HIV or other immunocompromising conditions and with symptomatic, smear-positive pulmonary ATB; 12 healthy individuals with a positive IGRA indicating LTBI; and 20 IGRA-negative healthy controls. Whole-blo…

Reviewing Author

Thomas Glück, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsConsilium Infectiorum by InfectoPharm, Infection

Thomas Glück, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsConsilium Infectiorum by InfectoPharm, Infection

Developing a Blood Test to Differentiate Between Active and Latent TB

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Reviewing Author