The Use of Interferon Gamma Release Assays in the Diagnosis of Active Tuberculosis

• DOI: 10.1155/2012/768723
• Publication Date: 2012-01-22T21:00:50Z
• Authors: Silvan M. Vesenbeckh; Nicolas Schönfeld; Harald Mauch; Thorsten Bergmann; Sonja Wagner; Torsten T. Bauer; Holger Rüssmann
• Keywords: Active tuberculosis; Interferon γ; Tuberculosis diagnosis

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 tuberculosis. As IGRA were recently approved differential diagnosis of tuberculosis, we assessed accuracy latest generation detection a low-incidence area Germany. Our consecutive case series includes 61 HIV negative, culture positive patients, as well 234 control patients. retrospective analysis was performed over period two years. In 11/61 patients with (18.0%) test result <0.35 IU/mL, resulting sensitivity 0.82. We recommend establishing new cut-off value prospective clinical studies various regions high low prevalence