Whole blood interferon-gamma release assay is a useful tool for the diagnosis of tuberculosis infection particularly among Bacille Calmette Guerin-vaccinated children.

摘要

The performance of QuantiFERON-tuberculosis (TB) Gold-In-Tube assay was compared with the tuberculin skin test for the diagnosis of TB among children. It was shown that among non-Bacille Calmette Guerin immunized children, agreement between tests was excellent both in those with TB disease and in TB contacts. Among Bacille Calmette Guerin-immunized children, agreement was fair in those with active disease and poor among TB contacts. It is concluded that QuantiFERON-TB Gold-In-Tube compares with the tuberculin skin test in the diagnosis of TB disease and latent tuberculosis infection in TB contacts among children and has enhanced specificity.