Interferon-Gamma Release Assays Versus Tuberculin Skin Test for Active Tuberculosis Diagnosis: A Systematic Review and Diagnostic Meta-Analysis.

ABSTRACT: Background: The world health goal of eliminating tuberculosis (TB) is heavily hinged on timely and efficient diagnosis and treatment. The interferon-γ release assays (I.G.R.A.s) can diagnose Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and offer an alternative to the centuries-old tuberculin skin test (T.S.T.). Yet there is disagreement over replacing the T.S.T. with I.G.R.A.s as a standard tool. Objective: We aim to assess the diagnostic ability of I.G.R.A.s compared with T.S.T. for detecting active TB cases. Methods: A systematic review identified relevant studies from four databases. In the diagnostic meta-analysis conducted with OpenMeta Analyst software, we calculated the sensitivity (SN) and specificity (SP) for active TB detection via I.G.R.A. and T.S.T. methods

SUBMITTER: Tobaiqi MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12468246 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature