Using tests for latent tuberculous infection to diagnose active tuberculosis: can we eat our cake and have it too?

摘要

In this issue, Dosanjh and colleagues present results from using a combination of tuberculin skin testing (TST) and an interferon-gamma release assay (ELISpot~(PLUS)) to diagnose active tuberculosis. Sensitivity was 99% in patients with positive TST or ELISpot~(PLUS) results. However, several studies and a systematic review and meta-analysis are required before we can be confident that the sensitivity is truly this high. In the meantime, physicians who strongly suspect tuberculosis despite negative results on both TST and ELISpot~(PLUS) should follow the patient closely before ruling out active tuberculosis.