The Interferon-Gamma Release Assay versus the Tuberculin Skin Test in the Diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection in BCG-Vaccinated Children and Adolescents Exposed or Not Exposed to Contagious TB.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Children have an increased risk of developing active tuberculosis (TB) after exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb), and they are more likely to develop the most severe forms of TB. Rapid diagnosis and treatment of latent M.tb infection (LTBI) is essential to lessen the devastating consequences of TB in children.

Objective

The aim of the study was to evaluate TST (tuberculin skin test) and IGRA (interferon-gamma release assay) utility in identifying LTBI in a cohort of Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG)-vaccinated Polish children and adolescents exposed or not exposed to contagious TB. In addition, we asked whether quantitative assessment of IGRA results could be valuable in predicting active TB disease.

Results

Of the 235 recruited v

SUBMITTER: Druszczynska M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9961142 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature