Serial interferon-γ release assay in children with latent tuberculosis infection and children with tuberculosis

• Published in: Pediatric pulmonology Vol. 47; no. 4; pp. 401 - 408
• Main Authors: Nenadić, Nataųa, Kirin, Branka Kristić, Letoja, Ivka Zoričić, Plavec, Davor, Topić, Renata Zrinski, Dodig, Slavica
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 01.04.2012; Wiley-Liss
• Subjects: Adolescent; Antibiotics. Antiinfectious agents. Antiparasitic agents; Antitubercular Agents - therapeutic use; Antiviral agents; Bacterial diseases; BCG Vaccine - administration & dosage; Biological and medical sciences; Child; Child, Preschool; children; Female; General aspects; Human bacterial diseases; Humans; Infectious diseases; Interferon-gamma Release Tests; interferon-γ release assay; Latent Tuberculosis - diagnosis; latent tuberculosis infection; Male; Medical sciences; Pharmacology. Drug treatments; Pneumology; tuberculin skin test; tuberculosis; Tuberculosis and atypical mycobacterial infections; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary - diagnosis; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary - drug therapy; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary - prevention & control; Human; Pediatrics; interferon-γ release assay; tuberculosis; Latent tuberculosis; Exploration; Tuberculin; tuberculin skin test; Assay; Infection; children; latent tuberculosis infection; Antiviral; Interferon; Child; Release; Pneumology; Skin test
• ISSN: 8755-6863; 1099-0496; 1099-0496
• DOI: 10.1002/ppul.21555

Background Interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) release assay (IGRA) is used for diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), and for serial testing of active tuberculosis (TB). The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of IGRA for diagnosis and treatment monitoring of children with LTBI and children with TB. IGRA was performed in BCG vaccinated children before and six months after the beginning of treatment. Methods A total of 59 BCG vaccinated children aged 4–18 years were investigated due to exposure to active TB. The participants were divided into two groups: Group 1, children with LTBI (N = 41), and Group 2, children with TB (N = 18). IGRA (QuantiFERON‐TB Gold In‐Tube) was performed twice, i.e., before treatment and at the end of prophylaxis and therapy. Results There was no significant difference in IFN‐γ concentrations between Group 1 and Group 2 subjects either before or after the treatment. Difference between pre‐treatment and post‐treatment IFN‐γ concentrations compared in either Group 1 or Group 2 was not statistically significant. During follow‐up, children with LTBI did not develop active TB. In addition, in children with TB, signs and symptoms of TB improved with anti‐TB therapy. Conclusion This study showed that the concentrations of IFN‐γ did not differ in children with LTBI and TB either before or at the end of treatment. IGRA may remain positive over a long period of time. It seems that IGRA is not useful for monitoring treatment of children with LTBI and children with TB. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012; 47:401–408. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.