Comparison of QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube to Tuberculin Skin Test for the Diagnosis of Active Tuberculosis (TB) in India - Preliminary Analysis

摘要

Background: Conventional diagnostic tests for TB have limitations. Tuberculin skin test is non-specific and may be influenced by the BCG vaccine. New immunologic assays like the QuantiFERON-TB Gold in-tube (QFT) assay (Cellestis, Australia) detect interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) production in whole blood samples in response to stimulation with TB antigens. The role of QFT and Tuberculin skin test (TST) in the diagnosis of active TB among adults in high burden countries is not clear.