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Wang Z, Posey DL, Brostrom RJ, Morris SB, Marano N, Phares CR. US Postarrival Evaluation of Immigrant and Refugee Children with Latent Tuberculosis Infection Diagnosed Overseas, 2007-2019. J Pediatr 2022; 245:149-157.e1. [PMID: 35120982 PMCID: PMC9306290 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2022.01.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess outcomes from the US postarrival evaluation of newly arrived immigrant and refugee children aged 2-14 years who were diagnosed with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) during a required overseas medical examination. STUDY DESIGN We compared overseas and US interferon-γ release assay (IGRA)/tuberculin skin test (TST) results and LTBI diagnosis; assessed postarrival LTBI treatment initiation and completion; and evaluated the impact of switching from TST to IGRA to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection overseas. RESULTS In total, 73 014 children were diagnosed with LTBI overseas and arrived in the US during 2007-2019. In the US, 45 939 (62.9%) completed, and 1985 (2.7%) initiated but did not complete a postarrival evaluation. Among these 47 924 children, 30 360 (63.4%) were retested for M tuberculosis infection. For 17 996 children with a positive overseas TST, 73.8% were negative when retested by IGRA. For 1051 children with a positive overseas IGRA, 58.0% were negative when retested by IGRA. Overall, among children who completed a postarrival evaluation, 18 544 (40.4%) were evaluated as having no evidence of TB infection, and 25 919 (56.4%) had their overseas LTBI diagnosis confirmed. Among the latter, 17 229 (66.5%) initiated and 9185 (35.4%) completed LTBI treatment. CONCLUSIONS Requiring IGRA testing overseas could more effectively identify children who will benefit from LTBI treatment. However, IGRA reversions may occur, highlighting the need for individualized assessment for risk of infection, progression, and poor outcome when making diagnostic and treatment decisions. Strategies are needed to increase the proportions receiving a postarrival evaluation and completing LTBI treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zanju Wang
- Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA.
| | - Drew L. Posey
- Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Richard J. Brostrom
- Division of Tuberculosis Elimination, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Sapna Bamrah Morris
- Division of Tuberculosis Elimination, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Nina Marano
- Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, Atlanta, GA
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Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) remains an important problem among children in the United States and throughout the world. There is no diagnostic reference standard for latent tuberculosis infection (also referred to as tuberculosis infection [TBI]). The tuberculin skin test (TST) has many limitations, including difficulty in administration and interpretation, the need for a return visit by the patient, and false-positive results caused by cross-reaction with Mycobacterium bovis-bacille Calmette-Guerin vaccines and many nontuberculous mycobacteria. Interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) are blood tests that use antigens specific for M tuberculosis; as a result, IGRAs yield fewer false-positive results than the TST. Both IGRAs and the TST have reduced sensitivity in immunocompromised children, including children with severe TB disease. Both methods have high positive predictive value when applied to children with risk factors for TBI, especially recent contact with a person who has TB disease. The advantages of using IGRAs and diminished experience with the placement and interpretation of the TST favor expanded use of IGRAs in children in the United States. There are now several effective and safe regimens for the treatment of TBI in children. For improved adherence to therapy, the 3 rifamycin-based regimens are preferred because of their short duration. Daily isoniazid can be used if there is intolerance or drug interactions with rifamycins. A TB specialist should be involved when there are questions regarding testing interpretation, selection of an appropriate treatment regimen, or management of adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawn Nolt
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Jeffrey R Starke
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
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Shah I, Kathwate J, Shetty NS. Comparison of tuberculin skin test and QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube test in Bacillus Calmette-Guerin-vaccinated children. Lung India 2020; 37:24-29. [PMID: 31898617 PMCID: PMC6961094 DOI: 10.4103/lungindia.lungindia_304_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this study is to determine the concordance between QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT) and tuberculin skin test (TST) in children vaccinated with Bacillus Calmette–Guerin (BCG). Methods: This cross-sectional study was done at a pediatric tertiary care center in 33 BCG-vaccinated children aged 6 months–15 years suspected of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection or in contact with a patient with open tuberculosis (TB). All patients were tested for TST with purified protein derivative-S 5 tuberculin units and QFT-GIT assays. Concordance was evaluated between TST and QFT assay by kappa coefficient (k). Agreement between the tests was classified into categories: poor if k < 0.20, fair (k = 0.21–0.40), moderate (k = 0.41–0.60), good (k = 0.61–0.80), and very good (k = 0.81–1.00). Results: Both the TST and QFT assay were positive in 13 and negative in eight children, respectively, resulting in an agreement of 63% (κ = 0.31). Eight children were <4 years of age of which only one patient had a positive TST and QFT-GIT, and TST and QFT-GIT were negative in two patients resulting in an agreement of 37.5% (κ = 0.063). Among children 4 years of age and older, 12 patients had a positive TST and QFT-GIT and 6 patients had a negative TST and QFT-GIT resulting in an agreement of 72% (κ = 0.41). Among 12 children who had been in contact with an adult having open TB, both the TST and QFT-GIT were positive in 6 patients and negative in two patients, respectively, resulting in an agreement of 66% (κ = 0.41). TST specificity was only 29.6% with a positive predictive value of 42.4% as compared to QFT-GIT. Among children <4 years of age, TST specificity was only 28.6% with a positive predictive rate of 16.7%, and among children >4 years of age, TST specificity was 50% with a positive predictive value of 66.7%. In patients with contact with a patient having TB, TST specificity was 33.3%. Considering TST of 15 mm and above as positive, TST specificity increased to 63.2% and a positive predictive value was 56.3%. Conclusion: The concordance of TST and QFT-GIT is low in children with previous BCG vaccination and especially in children <4 years of age. QFT-GIT may help to rule out false-positive TST.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ira Shah
- Pediatric Tuberculosis Clinic, B. J. Wadia Hospital for Children, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Jagdish Kathwate
- Pediatric Tuberculosis Clinic, B. J. Wadia Hospital for Children, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Naman S Shetty
- Pediatric Tuberculosis Clinic, B. J. Wadia Hospital for Children, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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Sudbury EL, Otero L, Tebruegge M, Messina NL, Seas C, Montes M, Rìos J, Germano S, Gardiner K, Clifford V, Gotuzzo E, Curtis N. Mycobacterium tuberculosis-specific cytokine biomarkers for the diagnosis of childhood TB in a TB-endemic setting. J Clin Tuberc Other Mycobact Dis 2019; 16:100102. [PMID: 31720428 PMCID: PMC6830137 DOI: 10.1016/j.jctube.2019.100102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The tuberculin skin test and interferon-gamma release assays have limitations in diagnosing tuberculosis (TB), particularly in children. This study investigated the performance of candidate M. tuberculosis-specific cytokine biomarkers for TB in children in a TB-endemic setting. A total of 237 children with a household contact with smear-positive pulmonary TB were recruited. Importantly, a group of children with illnesses other than TB (sick controls) was included to assess specificity. Median IFN-ɣ, IL-1ra, IL-2, IL-13, IP-10, MIP-1β and TNF-α responses were significantly higher in children with active TB and latent TB infection (LTBI) than in both healthy and sick control children. Three of these cytokines - IL-2, IL-13 and IP-10 - showed better performance characteristics than IFN-ɣ, with IL-2 achieving positive and negative predictive values of 97.7% and 90.7%, respectively. Furthermore, IL-1ra and TNF-α responses differed significantly between active TB and LTBI cases, suggesting that they may be stage-specific biomarkers. Our data indicate that incorporating these biomarkers into future blood-based TB assays could result in substantial performance gains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva L. Sudbury
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
| | - Larissa Otero
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical Alexander von Humboldt, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Marc Tebruegge
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases & Immunology, Evelina London Children's Hospital, Guy's and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Nicole L. Messina
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
| | - Carlos Seas
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical Alexander von Humboldt, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Martin Montes
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical Alexander von Humboldt, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Julia Rìos
- Dirección de Prevención y Control de Tuberculosis, Ministerio de Salud, Lima, Peru
| | - Susie Germano
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
| | - Kaya Gardiner
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
| | - Vanessa Clifford
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
- Infectious Diseases Unit, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Eduardo Gotuzzo
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical Alexander von Humboldt, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Nigel Curtis
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
- Infectious Diseases Unit, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
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Meier NR, Volken T, Geiger M, Heininger U, Tebruegge M, Ritz N. Risk Factors for Indeterminate Interferon-Gamma Release Assay for the Diagnosis of Tuberculosis in Children-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Pediatr 2019; 7:208. [PMID: 31192175 PMCID: PMC6548884 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2019.00208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA) are well-established immunodiagnostic tests for tuberculosis (TB) in adults. In children these tests are associated with higher rates of false-negative and indeterminate results. Age is presumed to be one factor influencing cytokine release and therefore test performance. The aim of this study was to systematically review factors associated with indeterminate IGRA results in pediatric patients. Methods: Systematic literature review guided by the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) searching PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science. Studies reporting results of at least one commercially available IGRA (QuantiFERON-TB, T-SPOT.TB) in pediatric patient groups were included. Random effects meta-analysis was used to assess proportions of indeterminate IGRA results. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 value. Risk differences were calculated for studies comparing QuantiFERON-TB and T-SPOT.TB in the same study. Meta-regression was used to further explore the influence of study level variables on heterogeneity. Results: Of 1,293 articles screened, 133 studies were included in the final analysis. These assessed QuantiFERON-TB only in 77.4% (103/133), QuantiFERON-TB and T-SPOT.TB in 15.8% (21/133), and T-SPOT.TB only in 6.8% (9/133) resulting in 155 datasets including 107,418 participants. Overall 4% of IGRA results were indeterminate, and T-SPOT.TB (0.03, 95% CI 0.02-0.05) and QuantiFERON-TB assays (0.05, 95% CI 0.04-0.06) showed similar proportions of indeterminate results; pooled risk difference was-0.01 (95% CI -0.03 to 0.00). Significant differences with lower proportions of indeterminate assays with T-SPOT.TB compared to QuantiFERON-TB were only seen in subgroup analyses of studies performed in Africa and in non-HIV-infected immunocompromised patients. Meta-regression confirmed lower proportions of indeterminate results for T-SPOT.TB compared to QuantiFERON-TB only among studies that reported results from non-HIV-infected immunocompromised patients (p < 0.001). Conclusion: On average indeterminate IGRA results occur in 1 in 25 tests performed. Overall, there was no difference in the proportion of indeterminate results between both commercial assays. However, our findings suggest that in patients in Africa and/or patients with immunocompromising conditions other than HIV infection the T-SPOT.TB assay appears to produce fewer indeterminate results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noëmi R Meier
- Mycobacterial Research Laboratory, University of Basel Children's Hospital, Basel, Switzerland.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Volken
- School of Health Professions, Zürich University of Applied Sciences, Winterthur, Switzerland
| | - Marc Geiger
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ulrich Heininger
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Paediatric Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology Unit, University of Basel Children's Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marc Tebruegge
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Evelina London Children's Hospital, Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom.,Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Nicole Ritz
- Mycobacterial Research Laboratory, University of Basel Children's Hospital, Basel, Switzerland.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Paediatric Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology Unit, University of Basel Children's Hospital, Basel, Switzerland.,Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Boskovska K, Naceva-Fustic S, Simonovska L, Dilberovska M, Dacevski D, Popova G, Arnaudova I, Cakalarovska I. Comparison of IFN-γ Levels in Children with Tuberculosis Disease (TB) and Latent Tuberculosis Infection (LTBI). Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2018; 6:2091-2096. [PMID: 30559866 PMCID: PMC6290423 DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2018.467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the importance of IFN-γ in the diagnosis of pediatric TB and LTBI and to compare the IFN-γ levels. METHODS: We analysed 100 patients examined for possible M. tuberculosis infection or disease at the Institute of Respiratory Diseases in Children, Kozle, Skopje. Patients were divided into 2 groups: TB disease and LTBI. The following parameters were analyzed: demographic characteristics, history of previous exposure to active TB, BCG vaccination and presence of BCG scar, lung X-ray findings, tuberculin skin test by the Monteux method and the value of INF-γ according to the Quantiferon TB gold test, direct samples of acid-alcohol-resistant bacilli of sputum and Löwenstein Jensen cultures. Informed parental consent was obtained for each child included in the study. RESULTS: In the LTBI group 60.9% had a scar from the vaccination while in the TB group 50% had BCG scar. TST induration diameters in children with or without BCG scar were significantly larger in patients with active TB. Children with active TB had significantly higher IFN-γ levels than children with LTBI. The IFN-γ for the cut-off of 0.35 IU/ml, has 64% sensitivity for detection of LTBI, versus 80.6% sensitivity for active disease. Children with close TB contact had significantly higher IFN-γ levels. Correlation between TST induration diameter and IFN-γ levels was stronger in the TB group. CONCLUSION: IFN-γ levels are significantly higher in children with active TB, and children with close contact with TB patient. It has better sensitivity in active TB. Using both tests (IFN-γ and TST) can improve the diagnose of LTBI and TB in countries where vaccination with BCG is widespread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Boskovska
- Insitute for Respiratory Diseases in Children, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
| | | | - Liljana Simonovska
- Institute for Respiratory Diseases and Tuberculosis, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
| | - Mirjana Dilberovska
- Insitute for Respiratory Diseases in Children, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
| | - Dragan Dacevski
- Insitute for Respiratory Diseases in Children, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
| | - Gorica Popova
- Insitute for Respiratory Diseases in Children, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
| | - Ivana Arnaudova
- Insitute for Respiratory Diseases in Children, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
| | - Irena Cakalarovska
- Insitute for Respiratory Diseases in Children, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
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7
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Auguste P, Tsertsvadze A, Pink J, Court R, Seedat F, Gurung T, Freeman K, Taylor-Phillips S, Walker C, Madan J, Kandala NB, Clarke A, Sutcliffe P. Accurate diagnosis of latent tuberculosis in children, people who are immunocompromised or at risk from immunosuppression and recent arrivals from countries with a high incidence of tuberculosis: systematic review and economic evaluation. Health Technol Assess 2018; 20:1-678. [PMID: 27220068 DOI: 10.3310/hta20380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) [(Zopf 1883) Lehmann and Neumann 1896], is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Nearly one-third of the world's population is infected with MTB; TB has an annual incidence of 9 million new cases and each year causes 2 million deaths worldwide. OBJECTIVES To investigate the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of screening tests [interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) and tuberculin skin tests (TSTs)] in latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) diagnosis to support National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline development for three population groups: children, immunocompromised people and those who have recently arrived in the UK from high-incidence countries. All of these groups are at higher risk of progression from LTBI to active TB. DATA SOURCES Electronic databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library and Current Controlled Trials were searched from December 2009 up to December 2014. REVIEW METHODS English-language studies evaluating the comparative effectiveness of commercially available tests used for identifying LTBI in children, immunocompromised people and recent arrivals to the UK were eligible. Interventions were IGRAs [QuantiFERON(®)-TB Gold (QFT-G), QuantiFERON(®)-TB Gold-In-Tube (QFT-GIT) (Cellestis/Qiagen, Carnegie, VA, Australia) and T-SPOT.TB (Oxford Immunotec, Abingdon, UK)]. The comparator was TST 5 mm or 10 mm alone or with an IGRA. Two independent reviewers screened all identified records and undertook a quality assessment and data synthesis. A de novo model, structured in two stages, was developed to compare the cost-effectiveness of diagnostic strategies. RESULTS In total, 6687 records were screened, of which 53 unique studies were included (a further 37 studies were identified from a previous NICE guideline). The majority of the included studies compared the strength of association for the QFT-GIT/G IGRA with the TST (5 mm or 10 mm) in relation to the incidence of active TB or previous TB exposure. Ten studies reported evidence on decision-analytic models to determine the cost-effectiveness of IGRAs compared with the TST for LTBI diagnosis. In children, TST (≥ 5 mm) negative followed by QFT-GIT was the most cost-effective strategy, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of £18,900 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained. In immunocompromised people, QFT-GIT negative followed by the TST (≥ 5 mm) was the most cost-effective strategy, with an ICER of approximately £18,700 per QALY gained. In those recently arrived from high TB incidence countries, the TST (≥ 5 mm) alone was less costly and more effective than TST (≥ 5 mm) positive followed by QFT-GIT or T-SPOT.TB or QFT-GIT alone. LIMITATIONS The limitations and scarcity of the evidence, variation in the exposure-based definitions of LTBI and heterogeneity in IGRA performance relative to TST limit the applicability of the review findings. CONCLUSIONS Given the current evidence, TST (≥ 5 mm) negative followed by QFT-GIT for children, QFT-GIT negative followed by TST (≥ 5 mm) for the immunocompromised population and TST (≥ 5 mm) for recent arrivals were the most cost-effective strategies for diagnosing LTBI that progresses to active TB. These results should be interpreted with caution given the limitations identified. The evidence available is limited and more high-quality research in this area is needed including studies on the inconsistent performance of tests in high-compared with low-incidence TB settings; the prospective assessment of progression to active TB for those at high risk; the relative benefits of two-compared with one-step testing with different tests; and improved classification of people at high and low risk for LTBI. STUDY REGISTRATION This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42014009033. FUNDING The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Auguste
- Warwick Evidence, Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Alexander Tsertsvadze
- Evidence in Communicable Disease Epidemiology and Control, Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Joshua Pink
- Warwick Evidence, Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Rachel Court
- Warwick Evidence, Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Farah Seedat
- Warwick Evidence, Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Tara Gurung
- Warwick Evidence, Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Karoline Freeman
- Warwick Evidence, Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Sian Taylor-Phillips
- Warwick Evidence, Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Clare Walker
- Warwick Evidence, Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Jason Madan
- Clinical Trials Unit, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Ngianga-Bakwin Kandala
- Department of Mathematics and Information Sciences, Faculty of Engineering and Environment, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Aileen Clarke
- Warwick Evidence, Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Paul Sutcliffe
- Warwick Evidence, Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
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Bielecka T, Komorowska-Piotrowska A, Krenke K, Feleszko W, Kulus M. Is secretion of IFN-gamma in response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens in youngest children sufficient to play a role in TB diagnostics? Pediatr Pulmonol 2018; 53:181-188. [PMID: 29136358 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.23910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess whether children ≤5 years of age, produce sufficient amounts of interferon gamma (IFN-ɣ) in response to phytohaemagglutinin (mitogen), and Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens (TB antigens) in the QuantiFERON-TB Gold in-Tube test (QFT-GIT), (Cellestis Ltd., Australia). WORKING HYPOTHESIS Is TB-antigen-induced IFN-ɣ response in children ≤5 years sufficient to consider QFT-GIT a possible tool for TB diagnostics? Study design, patient-subject selection, and methods: We recruited children 0-17 years old suspected of TB infection to this cross-sectional study, in whom QFT-GIT and TST were performed. We analyzed the median IFN-ɣ levels in mitogen and TB antigen tubes in children ≤5 years and >5 years, and the correlation between IFN-ɣ level in both tubes and age. RESULTS A total of 153 children were enrolled, age median was 7.8 (IQR:8), 45 (29.4%) aged ≤5 years (median 3.4, IQR:1.7), 108 > 5 years (median 10.55, IQR:5.93). In the mitogen tubes, the median IFN-ɣ level was higher in children >5 years (median 17.87, IQR:2.1 vs 16.77, IQR:7.6), but surprisingly in the TB antigen tubes it was higher in the younger group (median 0.12, IQR:0.21vs 0.06, IQR:0.09, P = 0.04). We proved a positive correlation between IFN-ɣ level and age in mitogen tubes (r = 0.18, P = 0.03) and a negative correlation in TB antigen tubes (r = -0.17, P = 0.04). In latent tuberculosis infection patients, the latter correlation was found to be even stronger (r = -0.39, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS The youngest children release sufficient amount of IFN-ɣ in response to TB antigens thus QFT-GIT might be a useful tool for TB diagnostics in this age group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Bielecka
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology and Allergy, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Katarzyna Krenke
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology and Allergy, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
| | - Wojciech Feleszko
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology and Allergy, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marek Kulus
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology and Allergy, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
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9
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Doan TN, Eisen DP, Rose MT, Slack A, Stearnes G, McBryde ES. Interferon-gamma release assay for the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection: A latent-class analysis. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0188631. [PMID: 29182688 PMCID: PMC5705142 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0188631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accurate diagnosis and subsequent treatment of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is essential for TB elimination. However, the absence of a gold standard test for diagnosing LTBI makes assessment of the true prevalence of LTBI and the accuracy of diagnostic tests challenging. Bayesian latent class models can be used to make inferences about disease prevalence and the sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic tests using data on the concordance between tests. We performed the largest meta-analysis to date aiming to evaluate the performance of tuberculin skin test (TST) and interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) for LTBI diagnosis in various patient populations using Bayesian latent class modelling. METHODS Systematic search of PubMeb, Embase and African Index Medicus was conducted without date and language restrictions on September 11, 2017 to identify studies that compared the performance of TST and IGRAs for LTBI diagnosis. Two IGRA methods were considered: QuantiFERON-TB Gold In Tube (QFT-GIT) and T-SPOT.TB. Studies were included if they reported 2x2 agreement data between TST and QFT-GIT or T-SPOT.TB. A Bayesian latent class model was developed to estimate the sensitivity and specificity of TST and IGRAs in various populations, including immune-competent adults, immune-compromised adults and children. A TST cut-off value of 10 mm was used for immune-competent subjects and 5 mm for immune-compromised individuals. FINDINGS A total of 157 studies were included in the analysis. In immune-competent adults, the sensitivity of TST and QFT-GIT were estimated to be 84% (95% credible interval [CrI] 82-85%) and 52% (50-53%), respectively. The specificity of QFT-GIT was 97% (96-97%) in non-BCG-vaccinated and 93% (92-94%) in BCG-vaccinated immune-competent adults. The estimated figures for TST were 100% (99-100%) and 79% (76-82%), respectively. T-SPOT.TB has comparable specificity (97% for both tests) and better sensitivity (68% versus 52%) than QFT-GIT in immune-competent adults. In immune-compromised adults, both TST and QFT-GIT display low sensitivity but high specificity. QFT-GIT and TST are equally specific (98% for both tests) in non-BCG-vaccinated children; however, QFT-GIT is more specific than TST (98% versus 82%) in BCG-vaccinated group. TST is more sensitive than QFT-GIT (82% versus 73%) in children. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to assess the utility of TST and IGRAs for LTBI diagnosis in different population groups using all available data with Bayesian latent class modelling. Our results challenge the current beliefs about the performance of LTBI screening tests, and have important implications for LTBI screening policy and practice. We estimated that the performance of IGRAs is not as reliable as previously measured in the general population. However, IGRAs are not or minimally affected by BCG and should be the preferred tests in this setting. Adoption of IGRAs in settings where BCG is widely administered will allow for a more accurate identification and treatment of LTBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tan N. Doan
- Department of Medicine at The Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Damon P. Eisen
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- Townsville Hospital and Health Service, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Morgan T. Rose
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew Slack
- Townsville Hospital and Health Service, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Grace Stearnes
- Townsville Hospital and Health Service, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Emma S. McBryde
- Department of Medicine at The Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
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Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) remains an important problem among children in the United States and throughout the world. Although diagnosis and treatment of infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (also referred to as latent tuberculosis infection [LTBI] or TB infection) remain the lynchpins of TB prevention, there is no diagnostic reference standard for LTBI. The tuberculin skin test (TST) has many limitations, including difficulty in administration and interpretation, the need for a return visit by the patient, and false-positive results caused by significant cross-reaction with Mycobacterium bovis-bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccines and many nontuberculous mycobacteria. Interferon-γ release assays (IGRAs) are blood tests that measure ex vivo T-lymphocyte release of interferon-γ after stimulation by antigens specific for M tuberculosis. Because these antigens are not found on M bovis-BCG or most nontuberculous mycobacteria, IGRAs are more specific tests than the TST, yielding fewer false-positive results. However, IGRAs have little advantage over the TST in sensitivity, and both methods have reduced sensitivity in immunocompromised children, including children with severe TB disease. Both methods have a higher positive predictive value when applied to children with risk factors for LTBI. Unfortunately, neither method distinguishes between TB infection and TB disease. The objective of this technical report is to review what IGRAs are most useful for: (1) increasing test specificity in children who have received a BCG vaccine and may have a false-positive TST result; (2) using with the TST to increase sensitivity for finding LTBI in patients at high risk of developing progression from LTBI to disease; and (3) helping to diagnose TB disease.
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Stennis NL, Trieu L, Ahuja SD, Harris TG. Estimated Prevalence of Tuberculosis Infection Among a New York City Clinic Population Using Interferon-gamma Release Assays. Open Forum Infect Dis 2014; 1:ofu047. [PMID: 25734119 PMCID: PMC4281800 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofu047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2014] [Accepted: 06/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Using QuantiFERON®-Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT) data, the prevalence of tuberculosis infection in New York City was estimated. Patient characteristics associated with a positive result were consistent with known tuberculosis risk factors. Results suggest that blood-based tests for tuberculosis infection are reliable. Background Elimination of tuberculosis (TB) in the United States requires treating not only persons with active disease but also those infected with TB. Achieving this goal requires understanding local TB infection prevalence and identifying subgroups at increased risk for infection and disease. Methods The study population included all patients tested with an interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) test at New York City (NYC) public TB clinics from October 1, 2006 to December 31, 2011. Patients who were not a case or contact at testing (general clinic patients) and who had a positive QuantiFERON-Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT) test result were compared with those with indeterminate or negative results to identify characteristics associated with positive results. New York City TB surveillance data were used to identify clinic patients later diagnosed with active TB disease. Results A total of 69 273 IGRA tests were conducted. Among 20 066 patients tested with QFT-GIT, 16% tested positive, 83% tested negative, and <1% were indeterminate. Of 18 481 general clinic patients, 14% had a positive QFT-GIT result. Nine percent of United States-born patients compared with 19% of foreign-born patients had a positive result. Increasing age and birth in a high-incidence country were associated with a higher likelihood of having a positive result. One patient with a negative QFT-GIT result was identified as a TB case 2 years later. Conclusions Using QFT-GIT data, the background prevalence of TB infection in NYC was estimated. Patient characteristics associated with a positive QFT-GIT result were consistent with known TB risk factors. Results suggest that IGRAs are reliable tests for TB infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie L Stennis
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Long Island City, New York
| | - Lisa Trieu
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Long Island City, New York
| | - Shama D Ahuja
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Long Island City, New York
| | - Tiffany G Harris
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Long Island City, New York
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12
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Song SE, Yang J, Lee KS, Kim H, Kim YM, Kim S, Park MS, Oh SY, Lee JB, Lee E, Park SH, Kim HJ. Comparison of the tuberculin skin test and interferon gamma release assay for the screening of tuberculosis in adolescents in close contact with tuberculosis TB patients. PLoS One 2014; 9:e100267. [PMID: 25020161 PMCID: PMC4096406 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0100267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2013] [Accepted: 05/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The tuberculin skin test (TST) frequently yields false positive results among BCG-vaccinated persons thereby limiting its diagnostic value particularly in settings with high BCG vaccination rate. We determined the agreement between IGRA and TST using 2 cutoff values and identified possible relationships between the results of these tests and the development of active tuberculosis. METHODOLOGY Adolescents aged 11-19 years in close contact with smear-positive tuberculosis cases and with normal chest radiographs were recruited from middle and high schools in South Korea. The TST was conducted by trained nurses, and blood was drawn for the QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT). Participants were followed up for 2 years to check for incidence tuberculosis. RESULTS A total of 2,982 subjects were included in the study, the average age was 15.1 years (SD 1.3), 61% had BCG vaccination scars. The agreement of QFT-GIT and the TST was low (κ = 0.38, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.42) using 10 mm cutoff; however, when the 15 mm cutoff was used, the agreement was intermediate (κ = 0.56, 95% CI 0.50 to 0.61). The odds ratio (OR) for the development of active tuberculosis was 7.9 (95% CI 3.46 to 18.06) for QFT-GIT positive patients, 7.96 (95% CI 3.14-20.22) for TST/QFT-GIT+ and the OR 4.62 (95% CI 2.02 to 10.58) and 16.35 (95% CI 7.09 to 37.71) for TST 10 mm and 15 mm cutoff respectively. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggest that the TST cutoff point for patients aged 11-17 years would be 15 mm in other study. The OR of QFT-GIT for the development of active tuberculosis and its intermediate agreement with TST using 15 mm cutoff demonstrates its role as an adjunct diagnostic tool to current clinical practice. Positive responders to both TST and QFT-GIT at the outset may benefit from chemoprophylaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Eun Song
- Division of Tuberculosis and Bacterial Respiratory Infections, Korea National Institute of Health, Cheongwon-gun, Chungcheongbuk-Do, Republic of Korea
| | - JiYeon Yang
- Division of Tuberculosis and Bacterial Respiratory Infections, Korea National Institute of Health, Cheongwon-gun, Chungcheongbuk-Do, Republic of Korea
| | - Kil Soo Lee
- Division of Tuberculosis and Bacterial Respiratory Infections, Korea National Institute of Health, Cheongwon-gun, Chungcheongbuk-Do, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyungjun Kim
- Division of Tuberculosis and Bacterial Respiratory Infections, Korea National Institute of Health, Cheongwon-gun, Chungcheongbuk-Do, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Mi Kim
- Division of Tuberculosis and Bacterial Respiratory Infections, Korea National Institute of Health, Cheongwon-gun, Chungcheongbuk-Do, Republic of Korea
| | - Seonghan Kim
- Division of Tuberculosis and Bacterial Respiratory Infections, Korea National Institute of Health, Cheongwon-gun, Chungcheongbuk-Do, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Sun Park
- Division of Tuberculosis and Bacterial Respiratory Infections, Korea National Institute of Health, Cheongwon-gun, Chungcheongbuk-Do, Republic of Korea
| | - Su Yeon Oh
- The Korean Institute of Tuberculosis, Cheongwon-gun, Chungcheongbuk-Do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Bum Lee
- The Korean Institute of Tuberculosis, Cheongwon-gun, Chungcheongbuk-Do, Republic of Korea
| | - EunPyo Lee
- The Korean Institute of Tuberculosis, Cheongwon-gun, Chungcheongbuk-Do, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Hee Park
- Division of Tuberculosis and Bacterial Respiratory Infections, Korea National Institute of Health, Cheongwon-gun, Chungcheongbuk-Do, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail: (SHP); (HJK)
| | - Hee-Jin Kim
- The Korean Institute of Tuberculosis, Cheongwon-gun, Chungcheongbuk-Do, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail: (SHP); (HJK)
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14
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Performance of Tuberculin Skin Test Measured against Interferon Gamma Release Assay as Reference Standard in Children. Tuberc Res Treat 2014; 2014:413459. [PMID: 24660062 PMCID: PMC3934777 DOI: 10.1155/2014/413459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2013] [Revised: 12/21/2013] [Accepted: 12/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives. International guidelines differ in the threshold of tuberculin skin test (TST) induration regarded as indicating Mycobacterium (M.) tuberculosis infection. Interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) results were used as reference to assess performance of TST induration thresholds for detection of M. tuberculosis infection in children. Design. Systematic review which included studies containing data on TST, IGRA, and Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) status in children. Data bases searched were PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library. Specificities and sensitivities were calculated for TST thresholds 5, 10, and 15 mm and correlated with age and geographical latitude. Results. Eleven studies with 2796 children were included. For BCG immunised children diameters of 5, 10, and 15 mm had median sensitivities of 87, 70, and 75% and specificities of 67, 93, and 90%, respectively. In non-BCG immunised children median sensitivities were 94, 95, and 83% and specificities 91, 95, and 97%. At the 10 mm threshold age correlated negatively with sensitivity of TST (r = −0.65, P = 0.04) and latitude correlated positively (r = 0.71, P = 0.02). Conclusions. For the 10 mm threshold the sensitivity of the TST is lower in BCG immunised children. Younger age and higher geographical latitude were associated with higher sensitivity of the TST.
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15
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Domínguez J, Latorre I, Altet N, Mateo L, De Souza-Galvão M, Ruiz-Manzano J, Ausina V. IFN-γ-release assays to diagnose TB infection in the immunocompromised individual. Expert Rev Respir Med 2014; 3:309-27. [DOI: 10.1586/ers.09.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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Sollai S, Galli L, de Martino M, Chiappini E. Systematic review and meta-analysis on the utility of Interferon-gamma release assays for the diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in children: a 2013 update. BMC Infect Dis 2014; 14 Suppl 1:S6. [PMID: 24564486 PMCID: PMC4016555 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-14-s1-s6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Previous meta-analyses regarding the performance of interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) for tuberculosis diagnosis in children yielded contrasting results, probably due to different inclusion/exclusion criteria. Methods We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane databases and calculated pooled estimates of sensitivities and specificities of QuantiFERON-TB Gold In Tube (QFT-G-IT), T-SPOT.TB, and tuberculin skin test (TST). Several sub-analysis were performed: stratification by background (low income vs. high income countries); including only microbiological confirmed TB cases; including only studies performing a simultaneous three-way comparison of the three tests, and including immunocompromised children. Results Overall, 31 studies (6183 children) for QFT-G-IT, 14 studies (2518 children) for T-SPOT.TB and 34 studies (6439 children) for TST were included in the analyses. In high income countries QFT-G-IT sensitivity was 0.79 (95%IC: 0.75-0.82) considering all the studies, 0.78 (95%CI:0.70-0.84) including only studies performing a simultaneous three-way comparison and 0.86 (95%IC 0.81-0.90) considering only microbiologically confirmed studies. In the same analyses T-SPOT.TB sensitivity was 0.67 (95%IC 0.62-0.73); 0.76 (95%CI: 0.68 to 0.83); and 0.79 (95%IC 0.69-0.87), respectively. In low income countries QFT-G-IT pooled sensitivity was significantly lower: 0.57 (95%IC:0.52-0.61), considering all the studies, and 0.66 (95%IC 0.55-0.76) considering only microbiologically confirmed cases; while T-SPOT.TB sensitivity was 0.61 (95%IC 0.57-0.65) overall, but reached 0.80 (95%IC 0.73-0.86) in microbiologically confirmed cases. In microbiologically confirmed cases TST sensitivity was similar: 0.86 (95%IC 0.79-0.91) in high income countries, and 0.74 (95%IC 0.68-0.80) in low income countries. Higher IGRAs specificity with respect to TST was observed in high income countries (97-98% vs. 92%) but not in low income countries (85-93% vs. 90%). Conclusions Both IGRAs showed no better performance than TST in low income countries.
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Trajman A, Steffen RE, Menzies D. Interferon-Gamma Release Assays versus Tuberculin Skin Testing for the Diagnosis of Latent Tuberculosis Infection: An Overview of the Evidence. Pulm Med 2013; 2013:601737. [PMID: 23476763 PMCID: PMC3582085 DOI: 10.1155/2013/601737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2012] [Accepted: 01/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A profusion of articles have been published on the accuracy and uses of interferon-gamma releasing assays. Here we review the clinical applications, advantages, and limitations of the tuberculin skin test and interferon-gamma release assays and provide an overview of the most recent systematic reviews conducted for different indications for the use of these tests. We conclude that both tests are accurate to detect latent tuberculosis, although interferon-gamma release assays have higher specificity than tuberculin skin testing in BCG-vaccinated populations, particularly if BCG is received after infancy. However, both tests perform poorly to predict risk for progression to active tuberculosis. Interferon-gamma release assays have significant limitations in serial testing because of spontaneous variability and lack of a validated definition of conversion and reversion, making it difficult for clinicians to interpret changes in category (conversions and reversions). So far, the most important clinical evidence, that is, that isoniazid preventive therapy reduces the risk for progression to disease, has been produced only in tuberculin skin test-positive individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Trajman
- Gama Filho University, 20740-900 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Montreal Chest Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada H2X 2P4
| | - R. E. Steffen
- Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, 21941-913 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - D. Menzies
- Montreal Chest Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada H2X 2P4
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Kim JH, Cho SK, Han M, Choi CB, Kim TH, Jun JB, Bae SC, Yoo DH, Sung YK. Factors Influencing Discrepancies Between the QuantiFERON-TB Gold in Tube Test and the Tuberculin Skin Test in Korean Patients with Rheumatic Diseases. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2013; 42:424-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2012.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2012] [Revised: 06/27/2012] [Accepted: 07/02/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Chiappini E, Accetta G, Bonsignori F, Boddi V, Galli L, Biggeri A, De Martino M. Interferon-γ release assays for the diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2012; 25:557-64. [PMID: 23058005 DOI: 10.1177/039463201202500301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Chiappini
- Department of Sciences for Woman and Child's Health, Anna Meyer Children's University Hospital Florence, University of Florence, Italy
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Latent tuberculosis infection in children: diagnostic approaches. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2012; 31:1285-94. [PMID: 22215186 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-011-1524-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2011] [Accepted: 12/13/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) remains an important public health problem and a leading infectious cause of death. Diagnosis and treatment of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is important for TB control and elimination. Nevertheless, the diagnosis of LTBI in both adults and children remains complex, since there is no gold standard. The development of interferon gamma release assays was a major breakthrough in the diagnosis of LTBI. The evaluation of IGRAs in the diagnosis of LTBI in children is proven to be difficult since childhood TB differs from adults as immune responses vary with age. Separate studies assessing IGRAs performance in children are still limited, and only a few of them divide results by narrow age groups Nevertheless, new approaches are being exploited by the ongoing research for the development of more efficient diagnostic tools. It is likely that many changes in both the diagnosis and management of LTBI will occur in the near future. We believe that better understanding of the immunopathology of latency can ultimately lead to the development of more effective strategies in TB control. In the present review we summarize current data on diagnosis of LTBI in children, underscoring the existing challenges and limitations.
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Kasprowicz VO, Churchyard G, Lawn SD, Squire SB, Lalvani A. Diagnosing latent tuberculosis in high-risk individuals: rising to the challenge in high-burden areas. J Infect Dis 2011; 204 Suppl 4:S1168-78. [PMID: 21996699 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jir449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
A key challenge to greater progress in tuberculosis (TB) control is the reservoir of latent TB infection (LTBI), which represents a huge long-lived reservoir of potential TB disease. In parts of Africa, as many as 50% of 15-year-olds and 77%-89% of adults have evidence of LTBI. A second key challenge to TB control is the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated TB epidemic, and Africa alone accounts for one-quarter of the global burden of HIV-associated TB. HIV co-infection promotes both reactivation TB from LTBI and rapidly progressive primary TB following recent exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Preventing active TB and tackling latent infection in addition to the Directly Observed Treatment, Short-Course (DOTS) strategy could improve TB control in high-burden settings, especially where there is a high prevalence of HIV co-infection. Current strategies include intensified case finding (ICF), TB infection control, antiretroviral therapy (ART), and isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT). Although ART has been widely rolled out, ICF and IPT have not. A key factor limiting the rollout and effectiveness of IPT and ICF is the limitations of existing tools to both diagnose LTBI and identify those persons most at risk of progressing to active TB. In this review, we examine the obstacles and consider current progress toward the development of new tools to address this pressing global problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria O Kasprowicz
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Thomas B, Pugalenthi A, Patel H, Woltmann G, Bankart J, Hoskyns W. Concordance between tuberculin skin test and interferon-γ assay and interferon-γ response to mitogen in pediatric tuberculosis contacts. Pediatr Pulmonol 2011; 46:1225-32. [PMID: 21681979 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.21494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2010] [Revised: 04/02/2011] [Accepted: 04/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
There is paucity of data on the usefulness of Interferon (IFN)-γ release assays in the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the concordance between tuberculin skin test (TST) and QuantiFERON®-TB Gold in-tube (QFT-GIT) test, when used in contact screening to diagnose LTBI in asymptomatic children. We also aimed to determine if there is any correlation between age and the IFN-γ response to the mitogen. Children assessed at Leicester Royal Infirmary and Glenfield hospital (Leicester, United Kingdom) as part of tuberculosis contact screening were studied. Two hundred and eighty three children (mean [SD] age 5.3 [4.1] years, 148 males) underwent clinical examination, chest radiograph, TST, and QFT-GIT test. In this group, there was good agreement (κ = 0.70 [95%CI = 0.57-0.83], P < 0.0001) between TST and QFT-GIT. Of the 18 children in this group with an indeterminate QFT-GIT test result, all except one were < 5-years-old. To study the correlation between age and the IFN-γ response to the mitogen, results of 282 children who had QFT-GIT test as part of tuberculosis contact screening during the study period were analyzed. A significant correlation was observed between age and the IFN-γ response to the mitogen (r = 0.47, P < 0.001). Whilst our study re-emphasizes the good overall concordance between TST and QFT-GIT, the high rate of indeterminate results and the low IFN-γ response to the mitogen seen in young children raise some concerns about the performance of IGRAs in this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Thomas
- Children's Hospital, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Infirmary Road, Leicester LE1 5WW, UK
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Arias Guillén M. Avances en el diagnóstico de la infección tuberculosa. Arch Bronconeumol 2011; 47:521-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.arbres.2011.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2010] [Revised: 06/03/2011] [Accepted: 06/11/2011] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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The tuberculin skin test is unreliable in school children BCG-vaccinated in infancy and at low risk of tuberculosis infection. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2011; 30:754-8. [PMID: 21487326 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0b013e31821b8f54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The tuberculin skin test (TST) is often used to screen for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in school children, many of whom were bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG)-vaccinated in infancy. The reliability of the TST in such children is unknown. METHODS TSTs performed in low-risk BCG-vaccinated and -nonvaccinated grade 1 and grade 6 First Nations (North American Indian) school children in the province of Alberta, Canada, were evaluated retrospectively. To further assess the specificity of the TST, BCG-vaccinated children with a positive TST (≥10 mm of induration) and no treatment of LTBI were administered a QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube test (QFT-GIT, Cellestis International). RESULTS A total of 3996 children, 2063 (51.6%) BCG-vaccinated and 1933 (48.4%) BCG-nonvaccinated, were screened for LTBI. Vaccinated children were more likely than nonvaccinated children to be TST positive (5.7% vs. 0.2%, P < 0.001). Vaccinated children with a positive TST were more likely to have a recent past TST as compared with those with a negative TST (6.8% versus 2.8%, P = 0.01). Among 65 BCG-vaccinated TST-positive children who underwent a QFT-GIT, only 5 (7.7%; 95% CI: 2.5%, 17.0%) were QFT-GIT positive. A TST of ≥15 mm was more likely to be associated with a positive QFT-GIT than a TST of 10 to 14 mm, 16.0% (95% CI: 4.5%, 36.1%) versus 2.5% (95% CI: 0.1%, 13.2%), P = 0.047. CONCLUSION The TST is unreliable in school children, BCG-vaccinated in infancy, and who are at low risk of infection. The QFT-GIT is a useful confirmatory test for LTBI in BCG-vaccinated TST-positive school children.
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The utility of an interferon gamma release assay for diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection and disease in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2011; 30:694-700. [PMID: 21427627 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0b013e318214b915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The utility of interferon gamma release assays (IGRAs) has been assessed in adults, but remains unclear in children. We reviewed the literature on the use of a commercial IGRA in immunocompetent children for the diagnosis of both latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and TB disease. METHODS We searched PubMed for studies published before January 2010 on the diagnosis of TB in children using an IGRA. We compared the specificity and sensitivity of the tuberculin skin test (TST) and the IGRA for LTBI and conducted a random effects meta-analysis on sensitivity of the IGRA for TB disease. RESULTS Of 68 studies identified, 20 were included in this review. There was increased specificity of the IGRA for LTBI in children compared with TST, but varying sensitivities. Sensitivity of the IGRA in detecting TB disease in children also varied when compared with TST (mean κ score, 0.57). For all TB cases, the pooled sensitivity was 66% (95% confidence interval [CI], 53%-78%) with heterogeneity (I² = 74.8%). Stratification by background TB incidence highlighted a significantly reduced IGRA sensitivity of 55% (95% CI, 37%-73%) in high incidence settings when compared with low incidence settings, 70% (95% CI, 53%-84%). CONCLUSIONS There was no clear evidence that IGRAs should replace TST for detecting LTBI in children. Sensitivity of the IGRA for TB disease was no different from TST, and a significantly reduced IGRA sensitivity was found in high-burden TB settings compared with low-burden TB settings. Further studies are needed to determine the value of IGRAs in LTBI and TB disease diagnosis in children.
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Ling DI, Zwerling AA, Steingart KR, Pai M. Immune-based diagnostics for TB in children: what is the evidence? Paediatr Respir Rev 2011; 12:9-15. [PMID: 21172669 DOI: 10.1016/j.prrv.2010.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Childhood TB is difficult to diagnose, since disease tends to be paucibacillary and sputum specimens are not easy to obtain in children. Thus, blood-based immune assays are an attractive option. Systematic reviews of serological assays suggest that these tests produce highly inconsistent estimates of sensitivity and specificity, but much of the serology literature is based on adults. In children, there is insufficient evidence to recommend the use of serological tests for active TB diagnosis. Interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA) do not offer substantial improvements in sensitivity over the TST for the diagnosis of active disease. For latent TB infection, the IGRA correlates well with the exposure gradient and seems to have utility in reducing the number of children who undergo preventive therapy due to false-positive TST. Although IGRAs can be used as evidence of TB infection in children, appropriate specimen collection and microbiological confirmation of TB disease should remain a priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphne I Ling
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, 1020 Pine Avenue West, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1A2, Canada.
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Thomas TA, Mondal D, Noor Z, Liu L, Alam M, Haque R, Banu S, Sun H, Peterson KM. Malnutrition and helminth infection affect performance of an interferon gamma-release assay. Pediatrics 2010; 126:e1522-9. [PMID: 21059723 PMCID: PMC3403682 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2010-0885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We sought to compare the tuberculin skin test (TST) to the QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube assay (QFT-IT) and assess the effects of malnourishment and intestinal helminth infection on QFT-IT results. METHODS In this population-based cross-sectional study from Dhaka, Bangladesh, we screened children for latent tuberculosis infection with the QFT-IT and TST. We assess the agreement between the TST and QFT-IT, risk factors associated with indeterminate QFT-IT results, and magnitude of interferon γ (IFN-γ) production. RESULTS Three hundred and two children (aged 11-15.3 years) were enrolled, including 93 (30.8%) who were malnourished. Of 251 participants who provided stool samples, 117 (46.6%) were infected with Ascaris lumbricoides and/or Trichuris trichiura. TST results were positive (≥10 mm) for 101 (33.4%) children and negative for 201 (66.6%) children. QFT-IT results were positive for 107 (35.4%) children, negative for 121 (40.1%) children, and indeterminate for 74 (24.5%) children. Agreement between the tests was moderate (κ = 0.55 [95% confidence interval: 0.44-0.65]; P < .0001) when excluding indeterminate results. Children with indeterminate QFT-IT results were separately compared with children with positive and negative QFT-IT results; malnutrition (P = .0006 and .0003), and helminth infection (P = .05 and .02), and the statistical interaction between these 2 terms (P = .03 and .004) were associated with indeterminate results. Higher levels of IFN-γ in response to tuberculosis antigens were associated with positive TST results (P < .0001); lower levels were associated with malnutrition (P = .02). CONCLUSIONS Malnutrition and helminth infections were associated with indeterminate QFT-IT results. Therefore, the presence of such conditions may limit the interpretability of QFT-IT results in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania A. Thomas
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Dinesh Mondal
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Zannatun Noor
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Lei Liu
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Masud Alam
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Rashidul Haque
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sayera Banu
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Haiyan Sun
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Kristine M. Peterson
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
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Diel R, Loddenkemper R, Niemann S, Meywald-Walter K, Nienhaus A. Negative and positive predictive value of a whole-blood interferon-γ release assay for developing active tuberculosis: an update. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2010; 183:88-95. [PMID: 20802162 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201006-0974oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 202] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE only limited data are available on the predictive value of interferon-γ release assays for progression from latent tuberculosis infection to active tuberculosis (TB). OBJECTIVES to build on our initial study comparing the QuantiFERON-TB Gold in-tube assay (QFT) with the tuberculin skin test (TST) in close contacts of patients with TB and evaluating progression to active TB for up to 4 years. METHODS a cohort of close contacts of smear-positive index cases established between May 2005 and April 2008 was tested with QFT and TST. Through April 2010, progressors to active TB were consecutively recorded. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS of the 1,414 contacts (141 children), 1,033 were still resident in Hamburg at the end of the study period, and results of both tests were available for 954. QFT, but not TST, results were associated with exposure time (P < 0.0001). For QFT, 198 of 954 (20.8%) were positive; 63.3% (604) were TST positive at greater than 5 mm and 25.4% at greater than 10 mm. Nine hundred and three contacts refused chemoprevention and 19 developed active TB. All 19 (100%) had been QFT positive with a progression rate of 12.9% (19 of 147) over the observation period. Corresponding values for the TST were significantly lower: 89.5% (17 of 19) and 3.1% (17 of 555) at greater than 5 mm, and 52.6% (10 of 19) and 4.8% (10 of 207) at greater than 10 mm, respectively. The progression rate of 28.6% (6 of 21) for QFT-positive children was significantly higher than 10.3% (13 of 126) for adults (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS results suggest that QFT is more reliable than the TST for identifying those who will soon progress to active TB, especially in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Diel
- Department of Pneumology, Medical School Hannover (MHH), Carl-Neuberg-Str.1, 30625 Hannover, Germany.
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Zar HJ, Connell TG, Nicol M. Diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in children: new advances. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2010; 8:277-88. [PMID: 20192682 DOI: 10.1586/eri.10.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The global burden of childhood pulmonary TB has been underappreciated, in part due to difficulties in obtaining microbiological confirmation of disease. Most HIV-uninfected children can be diagnosed using a combination of clinical and epidemiological features, tuberculin skin testing and chest radiography, as represented in different scoring systems. However, accurate microbiologic diagnosis has become increasingly important for timely use of effective treatment. Mycobacterial culture confirms the diagnosis of TB and provides drug susceptibility data but is not available in most areas with a high TB prevalence. Moreover, culture has poor sensitivity in children who usually have paucibacillary disease. The HIV epidemic has made definitive diagnosis even more challenging due to nonspecific clinical and radiological signs. In high HIV-prevalence areas, scoring systems have been especially variable, lacking sensitivity and specificity. Newer methods for diagnosis are aimed either at detecting the organism or a specific host immune response. Methods for organism detection have focused on collection of better samples, improved culture techniques, molecular methods or antigen detection. Recent advances include the use of sputum induction for obtaining a more reliable specimen, faster and more sensitive culture methods, and rapid detection of the organism and drug resistance based on nucleic acid amplification. Improved methods for detecting a specific host response have largely focused on the use of IFN-g release assays. Even with newer methods, accurately diagnosing childhood TB may be challenging. Greater efforts to obtain a microbiologic diagnosis should be made in children, even in primary care settings. Further research to develop a more accurate, cost-effective and simple diagnostic test for childhood TB is urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather J Zar
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, South Africa.
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Lalvani A, Pareek M. Interferon gamma release assays: principles and practice. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin 2010; 28:245-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eimc.2009.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2009] [Accepted: 05/06/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Grare M, Derelle J, Dailloux M, Laurain C. QuantiFERON®-TB Gold In-Tube as help for the diagnosis of tuberculosis in a French pediatric hospital. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2010; 66:366-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2009.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2009] [Revised: 10/18/2009] [Accepted: 11/04/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Current world literature. Curr Opin Pediatr 2010; 22:117-26. [PMID: 20068414 DOI: 10.1097/mop.0b013e32833539b5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Interferon-gamma release assays: new diagnostic tests for Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, and their use in children. Curr Opin Pediatr 2010; 22:71-6. [PMID: 19952926 DOI: 10.1097/mop.0b013e3283350301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The testing and treatment of children at risk for Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection represents an important public health priority in the United States. Until recently, diagnosis has relied upon the tuberculin skin test (TST). New interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) offer improvements over TST, but these tests have not been studied in children until recently. RECENT FINDINGS Evidence regarding IGRA performance in children is accumulating rapidly. Overall, the findings demonstrate performance of IGRAs equivalent or superior to that of the TST. However, IGRAs have biological limitations similar to TST and some technical problems of their own, and critical gaps in our knowledge remain. SUMMARY Current evidence supports usage of IGRAs in children aged 5 years or older. IGRAs are preferred over TST when specificity is paramount or wherein patients might fail to return for TST reading. Evidence for use in children aged less than 5 years is insufficient at this time: the sensitivity is poorly defined, and TST is preferred for testing these children. Future IGRA research should focus on children aged less than 5 years for informing expanded usage in this vulnerable population.
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Park YK, Lee SH, Kim SY, Ryoo SW, Kim CK, Kim HJ, Cho EH, Yoo BH, Lee JK, Ko WJ. Interferon-γ Release Assay among Tuberculin Skin Test Positive Students in Korean High Schools. Tuberc Respir Dis (Seoul) 2010. [DOI: 10.4046/trd.2010.68.6.328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Young Kil Park
- Department of Microbiology, Korean Institute of Tuberculosis, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Heon Lee
- Department of Microbiology, Korean Institute of Tuberculosis, Seoul, Korea
| | - Su Young Kim
- Department of Microbiology, Korean Institute of Tuberculosis, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung Weon Ryoo
- Department of Microbiology, Korean Institute of Tuberculosis, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chang Ki Kim
- Department of Microbiology, Korean Institute of Tuberculosis, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hee Jin Kim
- Department of Microbiology, Korean Institute of Tuberculosis, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eun Hee Cho
- Division of HIV and Tuberculosis Control, Center for Disease Control, Korea Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Seoul, Korea
| | - Byung Hee Yoo
- Division of HIV and Tuberculosis Control, Center for Disease Control, Korea Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong-Koo Lee
- Division of HIV and Tuberculosis Control, Center for Disease Control, Korea Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Seoul, Korea
| | - Won-Jung Ko
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Diagnosis and treatment of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is a cornerstone of tuberculosis (TB) control in the developed world. In the last century, the tuberculin skin test (TST) was the only means of diagnosing LTBI. ELISpot and whole-blood ELISA, collectively known as interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs), are promising new tools. AREAS OF AGREEMENT IGRAs are more specific than TST for diagnosis of LTBI as they are not confounded by previous bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccination. Assessing IGRA sensitivity in the absence of a gold standard for LTBI is challenging. Studies have therefore used surrogate markers such as active TB and correlation with degree of TB exposure in contact investigations. These studies suggest that sensitivity of ELISpot is higher than TST while whole-blood ELISA has similar sensitivity to TST. Recent longitudinal studies demonstrating the prognostic power of these tests for development of active TB provide definitive evidence that positive IGRA results reflect infection with dormant yet viable bacilli. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY Is the prognostic power of IGRAs greater than the TST? What are the false-negative rates in immunocompromised individuals with LTBI at high risk of progressing to active TB? GROWING POINTS IGRAs have been incorporated into national guidelines, although their optimal deployment in diagnostic algorithms is evolving. The health economic benefits of utilizing IGRAs are increasingly recognized, partly because their high specificity avoids unnecessary chemoprophylaxis in BCG-vaccinated persons with false-positive TST results. AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH Current IGRAs are being improved and next-generation tests, with improved sensitivity, could enable the reliable exclusion of LTBI in immunocompromised individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajit Lalvani
- Tuberculosis Research Unit, Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK.
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Soon EG, Lim BK, Kim HM, Namgoong MK, Cha BH, Uh Y, Chun JK. A Tapping the usefulness of Whole Blood Interferon-γ Assay for Diagnosing Tuberculosis Infection in Children. Tuberc Respir Dis (Seoul) 2010. [DOI: 10.4046/trd.2010.68.5.280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Eu-Gene Soon
- Department of Pediatrics, Wonju Christian Hospital, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Baek Keun Lim
- Department of Pediatrics, Wonju Christian Hospital, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Hwang Min Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Wonju Christian Hospital, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Mee Kyung Namgoong
- Department of Pediatrics, Wonju Christian Hospital, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Byung Ho Cha
- Department of Pediatrics, Wonju Christian Hospital, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Young Uh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wonju Christian Hospital, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Jin-Kyong Chun
- Department of Pediatrics, Wonju Christian Hospital, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
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Interferon gamma release assays in the evaluation of children with possible Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection: a view to caution. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2009; 28:676-7. [PMID: 19593249 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0b013e3181ad5490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Mori T. Usefulness of interferon-gamma release assays for diagnosing TB infection and problems with these assays. J Infect Chemother 2009; 15:143-55. [PMID: 19554399 DOI: 10.1007/s10156-009-0686-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The specificity of the tuberculin skin test (TST) in the diagnosis of tuberculosis infection is seriously compromised because of extensive use of the bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination. The interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA), a new diagnostic using Mycobacterium tuberculosis-specific antigens has been introduced in response to these needs. In this review, published findings on the performance of the QuantiFERON-TB (QFT), one of the IGRA formats, are summarized and discussed. In addition to its high specificity, the QFT has considerably high sensitivity, comparable with or superior to that of the TST, if applied to patients with active tuberculosis as a surrogate of latent tuberculosis infection. When applied to patients with immunosuppression, such as aging patients, or those with HIV infection, those with immunosuppressive drug therapies, or those with renal hemodialysis, QFT is shown to be more robust than the TST. As regards the dynamics of QFT responses to chemotherapy, there are many reports showing a decrease in responses during the treatment, which indicates the possibility that QFT could be used as a tool for monitoring the progress of treatment. However, there are discordant reports that warrant further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toru Mori
- Research Institute of Tuberculosis, Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association, 3-1-24 Matsuyama, Kiyose, Tokyo, 204-8533, Japan.
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Bergamini BM, Losi M, Vaienti F, D'Amico R, Meccugni B, Meacci M, De Giovanni D, Rumpianesi F, Fabbri LM, Balli F, Richeldi L. Performance of commercial blood tests for the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection in children and adolescents. Pediatrics 2009; 123:e419-24. [PMID: 19254978 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2008-1722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The accurate diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection reduces the risk of progression to severe disseminated disease. However, in young children, a major limitation of the standard tuberculin skin test is that false-negative results cannot be detected. The new interferon-gamma release assays QuantiFERON-TB Gold (Cellestis Carnegie Victoria, Australia), QuantiFERON-TB In-Tube (Cellestis), and T-SPOT.TB (Oxford Immunotec, Abingdon, United Kingdom) show promise of greater accuracy, but they may also be affected by impaired cellular immunity, resulting in indeterminate results (ie, insufficient response in positive-control wells). OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of age on the performance of interferon-gamma release assays when used in a routine hospital setting among children tested for suspected active or latent TB infection. METHODS We retrospectively studied 496 children 0 to 19 years of age who had been tested with the tuberculin skin test and at least 1 interferon-gamma release assay: 181 with QuantiFERON-TB Gold and 315 with QuantiFERON-TB In-Tube. In 154 of the children, paired interferon-gamma release assay testing was available: 87 with QuantiFERON-TB Gold/T-SPOT.TB and 67 with QuantiFERON-TB In-Tube/T-SPOT.TB. RESULTS Compared with T-SPOT.TB, the rates of indeterminate results were significantly higher for both QuantiFERON-TB Gold and QuantiFERON-TB In-Tube. QuantiFERON-TB Gold and QuantiFERON-TB In-Tube also gave indeterminate results more frequently in children <4 years of age than in those >/=4 years of age. Indeterminate results were associated with younger age for both QuantiFERON-TB Gold and QuantiFERON-TB In-Tube but not for T-SPOT.TB. Considering age as a binary variable (<4 and >/=4 years of age), a significantly higher concentration of phytohaemagglutinin-produced interferon-gamma was observed in older children with both QuantiFERON-TB Gold and QuantiFERON-TB In-Tube. CONCLUSIONS Different blood tests for the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection in children seem to perform differently, because both QuantiFERON-TB tests were more likely than T-SPOT.TB to give indeterminate results in children <4 years of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Maria Bergamini
- University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Department of Respiratory Diseases, Policlinico Hospital of Modena, Via del Pozzo 71, 41100 Modena, Italy
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