Interferon γ-release assays for detecting latent tuberculosis infection in patients scheduled for anti-TNFα therapy

• Published in: Frontline gastroenterology Vol. 2; no. 1; pp. 26 - 31
• Main Authors: Greveson, Kay, Murray, Charlie, Toumpanakis, Christos, Epstein, Owen, Hamilton, Mark, Lipman, Marc
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England BMJ Publishing Group Ltd 01.01.2011; BMJ Group
• Subjects: New Ways of Working
• ISSN: 2041-4137; 2041-4145
• DOI: 10.1136/fg.2010.000356

Screening for, and treatment of, latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) before anti- tumour necrosis factor α therapy has been shown to decrease the incidence of active tuberculosis by more than 80% and is recommended before initiation of treatment. In the absence of a ‘gold standard’ test for LTBI, current screening involves taking a clinical history of risk factors, chest radiograph and tuberculin skin test. Alternative cellular immune-based screening tests have been developed to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. This paper summarises the current position and advances in the use of newer screening strategies for LTBI.