Journal of Infection
Volume 55, Issue 2, 2007, Pages 164-168

QuantiFERON®-TB Gold test in the identification of latent tuberculosis infection in immigrants (Article)

Carvalho A.C.C.* , Pezzoli M.C. , El-Hamad I. , Arce P. , Bigoni S. , Scarcella C. , Indelicato A.M. , Scolari C. , Carosi G. , Matteelli A.
  • a Institute of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Brescia, Piazza Spedali Civili 1, 25125 Brescia, Italy
  • b Institute of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Brescia, Piazza Spedali Civili 1, 25125 Brescia, Italy, District Health Department, Brescia, Italy
  • c Institute of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Brescia, Piazza Spedali Civili 1, 25125 Brescia, Italy, District Health Department, Brescia, Italy
  • d Institute of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Brescia, Piazza Spedali Civili 1, 25125 Brescia, Italy
  • e Institute of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Brescia, Piazza Spedali Civili 1, 25125 Brescia, Italy
  • f District Health Department, Brescia, Italy
  • g District Health Department, Brescia, Italy
  • h District Health Department, Brescia, Italy
  • i Institute of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Brescia, Piazza Spedali Civili 1, 25125 Brescia, Italy
  • j Institute of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Brescia, Piazza Spedali Civili 1, 25125 Brescia, Italy

Abstract

Background: The identification and treatment of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among immigrants are an effective strategy for TB control in developed countries. A new test for LTBI identification that uses more specific antigens of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is now commercially available under the brand name of QuantiFERON®-TB Gold test. Objective: To compare QuantiFERON®-TB Gold test to tuberculin skin testing (TST) for the detection of LTBI among immigrants from high endemic TB areas. Patients and methods: Undocumented immigrants attending a district medical center were enrolled if they originated from high endemic TB areas, the time of arrival in Italy was ≤5 years, had neither active TB disease nor known immunodeficiency status. The TST was applied according to standards and QuantiFERON®-TB Gold test was performed following the manufacturer's instructions. Results: Hundred subjects were included in the comparative analysis. TST was positive in 44% of subjects; 15% had a positive QuantiFERON®-TB Gold test result. The total agreement between TST and QuantiFERON®-TB Gold test was 71%, for a κ statistics of 0.37; agreement was 100% for TST negative results, but only 34% for TST positive ones. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, previous BCG vaccination was independently associated with a lower chance of disagreement between the tests. Conclusion: The prevalence of LTBI among immigrants was lower when determined by QuantiFERON®-TB Gold; this may be a consequence of more specific MTB antigens used. Our results suggest that QuantiFERON®-TB Gold may be used as confirmatory test for TST positive immigrants candidate to preventive therapy. © 2007 The British Infection Society.

Author Keywords

immigrants QuantiFERON®-TB Gold CFP 10 ESAT-6 Latent tuberculosis infection

Index Keywords

immigrant mass screening multivariate logistic regression analysis human middle aged statistics diagnostic accuracy Skin Tests controlled study Logistic Models nonhuman intermethod comparison Humans skin test male analytical equipment female kappa statistics tuberculosis BCG vaccination prevalence Article tuberculin test adult migration Emigration and Immigration Italy statistical model Reagent Kits, Diagnostic
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-34447097575&doi=10.1016%2fj.jinf.2007.02.004&partnerID=40&md5=20d430b904e5d6de1cdcfef2143421f5
DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2007.02.004
ISSN: 01634453
Cited by: 38
Original Language: English