Open AccessInterferon-Γ Release Assays for the Diagnosis and Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Infection in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Author(s) -
Elena Chiappini,
Gabriele Accetta,
Francesca Bonsignori,
Valentina Boddi,
Luisa Galli,
Annibale Biggeri,
Maurizio de Martino
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
international journal of immunopathology and pharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.724
H-Index - 53
eISSN - 2058-7384
pISSN - 0394-6320
DOI - 10.1177/039463201202500301
Subject(s) - medicine , tuberculin , meta analysis , tuberculosis , mycobacterium tuberculosis , pooled analysis , interferon gamma release assay , interferon γ , gastroenterology , immunology , interferon gamma , latent tuberculosis , pathology , cytokine
Data regarding the use of Interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) for tuberculosis diagnosis are accumulating. We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane and performed pooled estimates of sensitivity and specificity of QuantiFERON-TB Gold In Tube (QFT-G-IT) and T-SPOT. TB compared to tuberculin skin test (TST). For studies assessing sensitivity, children had to have active tuberculosis. Specificity data were derived from children classified as non-infected. Eleven studies were included in the sensitivity analysis for TST, 10 for QFT-G-IT, and 9 for T-SPOT.TB. Eight studies were included in specificity analysis for TST, 8 for QFT-G-IT, and 7 for T-SPOT.TB. Pooled QFT-G-IT sensitivity was 0.79 (95%CI:0.70–0.89) pooled T-SPOT.TB sensitivity was 0.74 (95%CI:0.59–0.90) and pooled TST sensitivity was 0.82 (95%CI:0.72–0.93). Pooled QFT-G-IT and T-SPOT.TB specificities were 0.95 (95%CI:0.93–0.97) and 0.96 (95%CI:0.93–1.00), respectively. Pooled TST specificity was significantly lower 0.83 (95%CI:0.74–0.92). IGRA performance in children showed no better sensitivity than TST, but higher specificity.