Whole blood interferon-γ release assay is insufficient for the diagnosis of sputum smear negative pulmonary tuberculosis.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

We investigated the value of an interferon-γ release assay (IGRA) for the diagnosis of active pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) among sputum smear negative PTB suspects in an environment with intermediate burden of PTB and high Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccination rate.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively reviewed IGRA, medical records, chest PA and CT scan of PTB suspects seen at Gangnam Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea from Oct. 2007 to Apr. 2013. "Active PTB" was diagnosed when 1) M. tuberculosis culture positive, 2) confirmation by pathologic examination; or 3) clinical findings compatible with TB.

Results

Of 224 sputum smear negative PTB suspects, 94 were confirmed as having active PTB. There were no statistically significant differences in the diag

SUBMITTER: Park H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3990062 | biostudies-literature | 2014 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature