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Comparison of QuantiFERON TB‐G‐test to TST for detecting latent tuberculosis infection in a high‐incidence area containing BCG‐vaccinated population
Author(s) -
Kariminia Amina,
Sharifnia Zarin,
Aghakhani Arezoo,
Banifazl Mohammad,
Eslamifar Ali,
Hazrati Mahboob,
Ramezani Amitis
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of evaluation in clinical practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.737
H-Index - 73
eISSN - 1365-2753
pISSN - 1356-1294
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2753.2008.00970.x
Subject(s) - medicine , latent tuberculosis , quantiferon , incidence (geometry) , tuberculosis , vaccination , population , bcg vaccine , immunology , mycobacterium tuberculosis , environmental health , pathology , physics , optics
Abstract Objective Until recently, the only tool for detection of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) was the tuberculin skin test (TST). QuantiFERON‐TB Gold In‐Tube test (QFT) is a promising in vitro diagnostic test for LTBI that has potential advantages over the TST. In this study we aimed to compare QFT with TST for diagnosis of LTBI. Patients and methods A total of 186 BCG‐vaccinated subjects enrolled in study. They underwent TST and QFT assay. They divided in two groups. Group 1 includes individuals who were at low risk for exposure to M. tuberculosis (LRG) and Group 2 includes individuals who were likely to have been exposed to M. tuberculosis infections (HRG). Results Overall agreement between QFT and TST was 89.3% (kappa = 0.052). In LRG, agreement between the two tests was 52.6% (95% confidence interval, 44–60%) with κ ‐values of 0.019. In HRG agreement between the two tests was 63.2% (95% confidence interval, 42–84%) with κ ‐values of 0.28. Conclusion In conclusion, the QFT assay showed acceptable results for determining latent M. tuberculosis infection in vaccinated population. The decision to select QFT over TST will depend on the population, purpose of testing and resource availability.