The sensitivity of an interferon-gamma release assay in microbiologically confirmed pediatric tuberculosis

作者：Schopfer Kurt^*; Rieder Hans L; Bodmer Thomas; Steinlin Schopfer Jacqueline F; Chantana Yay; Studer Peter; Laurent Denis; Richner Beat

来源：European Journal of Pediatrics, 2014, 173(3): 331-336.

DOI：10.1007/s00431-013-2161-x

• Cambodia
• Children
• Diagnosis
• IGRA
• Tuberculosis

This study aimed at determining the sensitivity of a whole blood interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) among children with microbiologically confirmed tuberculosis in a high-burden country. Children with a diagnosis of tuberculosis based on clinical and radiographic assessment were tested with an IGRA in addition to microbiologic examination of appropriate specimens for acid-fast bacilli, mycobacterial rRNA, and observation for growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis on appropriate culture media. Of the 405 children with a clinical diagnosis of tuberculosis, 91 (22.5 %) had microbiologically confirmed tuberculosis, of whom 81 were tested with an IGRA. A positive result was obtained in 43 (sensitivity 53.1 %, 95 % confidence interval 42.3 to 63.6 %), uninfluenced by age, sex, or disease manifestation. Conclusions: The sensitivity of a whole blood interferon-gamma release assay in microbiologically confirmed pediatric tuberculosis was low. An IGRA cannot, thus, be used as rule-in test, but it might be useful to rule in tuberculosis among children in whom tuberculosis is notoriously difficult to confirm microbiologically.

• 出版日期2014-3