Abstract
Abstract Background The increasing use of anti-TNFα agents in the management of IBD raises concerns about the increased risk of latent TB reactivation, justifying the need for effective screening recommendations. Our study focuses on IBD patients candidates for anti-TNF therapy aiming to determine the prevalence of latent TB infection, examine factors influencing QantiFERON® outcomes, and describe therapeutic modalities for latent TB in this population. Methods This was a descriptive retrospective study of 87 patients followed up in the gastroenterology department of the Mohammed V Military Training Hospital in Rabat for IBD who were candidates for anti-TNF alpha biotherapy between 2021 and 2024. Results The prevalence of latent tuberculosis TBL identified in patients with chronic inflammatory bowel disease candidates for anti-TNFα therapy in our study was 24.1%, detected by the Quantiferon Gold IT® test. Factors influencing the results of the test found mainly include the various risk factors for tuberculosis in our context of intermediate endemicity, and the use of immunosuppressants, which is associated with a negative test. As the intradermal tuberculin test could not be carried out in Morocco due to a stock shortage, the comparison of the performance of the two tests was not possible. Despite an initially negative Quantiferon Gold IT® test, 4 cases of active tuberculosis were recorded after initiation of anti-TNF treatment. Conclusion The IGRA Quantiferon Gold IT® test is considered a valuable tool for detecting latent tuberculosis in IBD patients who are candidates for anti-TNF treatment. However, its use and interpretation in an endemic country and in vaccinated subjects should be the subject of larger-scale studies aimed at proposing appropriate recommendations based on the risk of latent tuberculosis.
Published Version
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