QuantiFERON-TB Gold Test Research Articles

Polymerase Chain Reaction for Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Granulomatous Anterior Uveitis – An Analysis of 51 Eyes

ABSTRACT Purpose To evaluate the role of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTb) in granulomatous anterior uveitis and comparing the results with those of Mantoux test, QuantiFERON-TB Gold test, and High-Resolution Computed Tomography of Chest (HRCT-chest). Methods Data of 51 eyes of 38 patients with clinical features of granulomatous anterior uveitis undergoing anterior chamber fluid aspiration for PCR for MTb targeting IS6110 and MPB64 were studied. Results Out of 38 patients, 25 (65.8%) were positive for MTb genome on PCR. 24 patients were tested for Mantoux, out of which 12 patients (50%) were positive and 12 patients (50%) were negative. 22 out of 38 patients had undergone QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFT) test, out of which 10 (45.5%) were positive and 12 (54.5%) were negative. 36 out of 38 patients had undergone HRCT. Eight out of 38 (21.1%) patients had significant findings in HRCT-chest, as well as PCR positivity for MTb genome while 12 (31.6%) patients did not have any significant findings on HRCT-chest, but were positive for PCR. Conclusion PCR for MTb is a valuable tool in the diagnosis of tubercular anterior uveitis. PCR can be positive even in cases of negative Mantoux test, QFT, and HRCT-chest in granulomatous anterior uveitis.

Rare Presentation, Critical Diagnosis: Primary Actinomycosis of the Foot

Actinomycosis, an uncommon granulomatous infection caused by the Actinomyces species, rarely targets as primary involvement the limb and is often linked to traumatic incidents. In this report, we present the case of a 44-year-old female who developed multiple small nodules on her left foot over approximately 12 months. Some nodules exhibited firmness and a violet hue, while others discharged a yellowish fluid. The patient had no significant comorbidities. Despite thorough blood paraclinical assessments, including complete blood count, serological HIV testing, and QuantiFERON-TB Gold testing, no abnormalities were detected. Bacteriological examinations and cultures of the discharge yielded negative results. Dermatoscopic examination revealed ovoid yellowish structures, with confocal microscopy highlighting granulomas. A subsequent skin biopsy confirmed characteristic changes indicative of actinomycosis. Although systemic antibiotic therapy with penicillin derivatives was initially considered, the patient’s documented allergic history to this medication class, verified through allergological testing, prompted the initiation of doxycycline treatment. Notably, significant improvement was observed at the 3-month follow-up. This case underscores the importance of reporting rare instances of actinomycosis due to its diagnostic complexity and management challenges.

Quantiferon-TB Gold Test in Diagnosis of Tubercular Uveitis

Background: Tuberculosis can occur in eye as a result of an active infection or immunological reaction to the tuberculosis antigen. One of the most accurate tests for suspected ocular tuberculosis is the Quantiferon TB Gold (QFT-G) test, which has a higher specificity than the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) especially among persons vaccinated with bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) and the fact that most environmental mycobacteria give TST positive results. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed thirty nine presumed ocular tuberculosis cases who had both TST and QFT-G test prior to anti-tuberculosis treatment (ATT) in the National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital and Vision Eye Hospital, Dhaka from January, 2019 to December, 2021. Patients who had concomitant pulmonary or other extra pulmonary tuberculosis were excluded from the study. Results: The most common anatomical type of uveitis was posterior uveitis 24(61.5%) and vasculitis retinae 8(20.5%) was the commonest form of specific pattern of uveitis. MT test was positive in 18(46.2%) and QFT-G test was positive in 17 (43.6%) patients. Multifocal choroiditis was commonest form of QFT-G positive uveitis 5(29.5%). There was no significant association of positive QFT-G test with any subset of uveitis (p>0.05). Conclusion: As our study found no significant association of positive QFT-G in patients with any anatomical variety of uveitis or specific variety of uveitis we should advice QFT-G judicially to patients of suspected TBU who have positive TST.

Imaging findings in a rare case of alveolar, hepatic and splenic sarcoidosis presenting with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is an acute haematological disorder characterized by severe ADAMTS13 enzyme deficiency, leading to consumptive thrombocytopenia, mechanical haemolysis, and organ damage. Its association with multisystemic sarcoidosis is extremely rare and, to the best of our knowledge, described in only two cases so far. We present the case of a 52-year-old woman with TTP and antibodies anti-ADAMTS13, showing computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evidence of pulmonary, hepatic, and splenic lesions initially reported as ischemic/inflammatory changes. A follow-up MRI of the abdomen revealed increased evidence of the liver lesions, focal intrahepatic bile duct dilatation, splenic lesions, and enlarged hepatic hilar nodes. The follow-up chest CT showed increased evidence of the parenchymal lung consolidations. Given the radiological persistence of those alterations and the history of TTP, the hypothesis of an IgG4-related disease was then made. The IgG4 levels were found to be normal, while the histological examination of the liver revealed non-necrotizing granulomatous chronic inflammation. Elevated levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme were found, and the QuantiFERON-TB Gold test was negative for tuberculosis infection. Thus, the overall clinical picture was consistent with multisystemic sarcoidosis (alveolar, hepatic, and splenic). The diagnosis of sarcoidosis, already challenging due to the variability of its clinical presentation, can become even more complicated when it manifests with uncommon haematological manifestations such as TTP, along with non-specific extra-pulmonary involvement. While imaging aids in documenting organ damage, the definitive diagnosis of sarcoidosis necessitates histologic confirmation of noncaseating granulomas and the exclusion of other possible granulomatous diseases.

Low rate of seroconversion analyzing QuantiFERON TB-gold testing in patients with psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa taking biologic therapy at an academic center in New York City

Low rate of seroconversion analyzing QuantiFERON TB-gold testing in patients with psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa taking biologic therapy at an academic center in New York City

Cutaneous Tuberculosis: A Case Report of an Atypical Clinical and Dermoscopical Presentation

Tuberculosis is an endemic disease in Morocco caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Cutaneous forms are rare, they account for 1-2% of extra-pulmonary localizations of tuberculosis. The diagnosis of cutaneous TB often poses a challenge to clinicians because of its clinical polymorphism and it is based by histology, QuantiFERON-TB Gold test, and polymerase chain reaction. Treatment consists of a combination of antibiotics. Herein we report a case report of an atypical clinical and dermoscopical presentation of cutaneous tuberculosis.

Lessons learned from a fatal case of Tuberculosis Meningitis: A case report

BACKGROUND In 2023, 10 million cases of Tuberculosis were reported by the WHO. Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) may be the sole manifestation of Tuberculosis (TB) and does not require prior pulmonary or extrapulmonary disease[1]. Approximately one-half of all TBM infections lead to severe neurological disability with a mortality rate of 30% with death in 6 months and 50% overall[2-4]. Despite being inarguably the most devastating clinical presentation of TB, frequent diagnostic delays are common due to low clinical suspicion or misdiagnosis as current diagnostic tests still have a limited yield[5]. The best way to reduce mortality and morbidity associated with TBM is by maintaining a high index of suspicion, timely diagnosis and initiation of treatment. This case report aims to highlight the clinical presentation, imaging findings, and diagnostic pitfalls in the diagnosis of TBM. CASE PRESENTATION A 36-year-old Indian man with no significant medical, social, or travel history initially sought treatment at a private hospital in Abu Dhabi for fever, intermittent headaches, and confusion. Investigations at the hospital included a negative QuantiFERON TB gold (QTF) test and a negative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture, but the CSF analysis was not included in the provided reports. Consequently, he received acyclovir treatment for suspected viral encephalitis but was discharged without complete symptom resolution. Following discharge, he experienced worsening confusion over three days. Upon presentation to our Emergency Department (ED), he was febrile, disoriented, and difficult to rouse, with a GCS score of 11/15, displaying terminal neck stiffness. There were no signs of lateralization, cranial nerve deficits, or cerebellar abnormalities. A computerized tomography (CT) scan conducted in the ED revealed hydrocephalus with diffuse leptomeningeal enhancement. Laboratory results indicated significant hyponatremia at 121 mmol/L. He was started on broad-spectrum antibiotics and anti-tuberculosis medication empirically based on the clinical scenario and CT findings. During his Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay, a CSF analysis suggested TB meningitis, and a positive Mycobacterium tuberculosis polymerase chain reaction (MTB-PCR) confirmed the diagnosis. An MRI of the brain showed meningoencephalitis with tuberculoma formation in the left cerebellar hemisphere. Unfortunately, despite treatment, his condition deteriorated, necessitating endotracheal intubation, multiple EVD revisions, and ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement. A follow-up MRI revealed worsening hydrocephalus and cerebral vessel thromboses, ultimately leading to his unfortunate demise in the ICU. CONCLUSION This case highlights that Tuberculous meningitis is a highly lethal, under-recognized disease with characteristic clinical and imaging features in which delay in diagnosis and subsequent treatment can lead to fatal consequences. Emergency Medicine physicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for TBM in patients with fever and vomiting and signs of altered mental status and keep in mind that a normal CXR, negative QuantiFERON test, and the absence of TB exposure history does not exclude TBM from the differential when clinical and Brain imaging findings raise concern. Prompt identification prevents delay in initiation of management and ultimately may lead to better long-term outcomes.

QuantiFERON-TB Gold Test Results in Patients with Psoriasis Receiving Biologic Therapy

QuantiFERON-TB Gold Test Results in Patients with Psoriasis Receiving Biologic Therapy

1872. Risk factors associated with gaps in screening and testing for latent TB infection in children

Abstract Background Children should be treated for latent TB infection (LTBI) to prevent progression to TB disease, but there are gaps in screening and testing for LTBI. We evaluated demographic and clinical factors associated with LTBI screening and testing at a Federally Qualified Health Center in Oakland, California. Methods We extracted demographic, clinical and note data from the electronic health records of all well-patient visits of children and adolescents 1-19 years old without a history of LTBI or TB disease from 2014 – 2020. Screening was defined as documenting the presence/absence of new TB risk factors, and testing was defined as ordering/completing a tuberculin skin test (TST) or QuantiFERON-TB Gold blood test (Quantiferon Gold). We performed multivariable logistic regression to determine the factors associated with conducting a TB risk assessment, ordering LTBI testing, and completing LTBI testing. Results We evaluated 18,681 visits, of which 38% were age 1 – 4, 50% were female, and 19% preferred a language other than English. Overall, 90% of visits documented a TB risk assessment, of which 8% had a risk factor for TB infection. Only 26% visits with a documented TB risk had a TB test subsequently ordered. 82% of ordered tests were completed. We found that children 1 – 4 years old were more likely to be screened for TB risk factors than adolescents ≥12 years (aOR 7.87, 95% CI 6.77 – 9.13, p < 0.01), but adolescents were more likely to be tested (aOR 1.74, 95% CI 1.12-2.66, p < 0.05). Non-English-speaking patients were more likely to be assessed for TB risk factors and were more likely to have an LTBI test ordered (Table 1). LTBI testing was more likely to be completed in females (aOR 5.08, 95% CI 1.75 – 14.70, p < 0.01) as well as when TST was ordered compared to Quantiferon Gold (aOR 24.15, 95% CI 8.17 – 71.42, p < 0.01). Conclusion Gaps in the LTBI care cascade for children were associated with age, sex and language preference, and interventions are needed to improve LTBI care in these groups. Further efforts are needed to address barriers to Quantiferon Gold completion in children. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Ocular manifestations and diagnosis of tuberculosis involving the uvea: a case series

BackgroundOcular tuberculosis (TB) affects 1–2% of patients with TB, with TB uveitis being the most common. This series aims to look at different manifestations of tuberculosis associated uveitis and the different tests used to make a presumptive or definitive diagnosis.MethodsPatients diagnosed with TB related uveitis in Hong Kong SAR between 2017 and 2020 were reviewed. Demographics, clinical features, investigations and treatments of patients were collected.ResultsFifteen eyes in 10 patients with a mean age 57.30 ± 10.17 years were included. The ocular manifestations on presentation included anterior uveitis (50%), posterior uveitis (40%) and panuveitis (10%), where 70% of them were unilateral and 30% were bilaterally infected; on subsequent visits the manifestations further developed into posterior uveitis (40%), panuveitis (40%) and anterior uveitis (20%), where 50% of them were unilateral and 50% bilateral infected. Tuberculosis tests were positive in 5 out of 7 Mantoux tests, 4 out of 4 T-SPOT TB tests, 3 out of 4 QuantiFERON-TB gold tests, 1 out of 1 lymph node biopsy, 0 out of 9 chest x-rays, and no aqueous fluid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was tested. Vision impairing complications were seen in 6 patients where retinal vasculitis was most commonly seen. With anti-TB treatment prescribed in 9 patients, side effects occurred in 5 patients, including ocular hypertension, disc swelling, and hepatitis.ConclusionsOcular TB infections may manifest in various forms, and can involve different parts of the eye. Bilateral involvement of TB is commonly presented, and both eyes should be evaluated at every follow up. When TB is suspected in a patient, diagnostic confirmation requires multimodal investigations where a negative chest x-ray is not useful in ruling out ocular TB infections, especially in an endemic region like Hong Kong. In these patients, it is crucial to have a high index of suspicion for TB, even when they do not demonstrate classical respiratory signs and symptoms of TB.

Quantiferon in the Diagnosis of Tuberculosis

Quantiferon test (QFT) is an indirect diagnostic test for latent tuberculosis (TB) infection and active TB. Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the role of Quantiferon-TB Gold test as one of the interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) in detecting LTBI. Research Methodology: This study was conducted at private lab in Tripoli during the period from October 2022 to January 2023, Diagnosis of 254 sample recorded. QFT was performed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Results: The study include (n= 254 cases), (58 sample 22.8 %) show positive results by Quantiferon test while (196 sample 77.1%) show negative test. Females constituted 118 (46.4%) of the total cases, while the males constituted 136 (53.6%). the age (31-40 years) for the negative include (35 cases 13.7%) while (41-50 years and (61-70 years) for positive include (11cases 4.3%). Discussion: This study confirmed previous reports that the QFT test had greater sensitivity for detecting active TB than the 100-year-old TST. Conclusion: It was concluded that the quantiferon TB-2G test is a more useful diagnostic method for tuberculosis infection. QFT-Plus assay showed good sensitivity for active TB and was particularly useful for the evaluation of children with suspected LTBI, giving a low rate of indeterminate results in this group. More studies are needed to properly evaluate QFT-Plus ability in discriminating active disease from latent infection.

Quantiferon in the Diagnosis of Tuberculosis

Quantiferon test (QFT) is an indirect diagnostic test for latent tuberculosis (TB) infection and active TB. Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the role of Quantiferon-TB Gold test as one of the interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) in detecting LTBI. Research methodology: This study was conducted at private lab in Tripoli during the period from October 2022 to January 2023, Diagnosis of 254 sample recorded. QFT was performed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Results: The study include (n= 254 cases), (58 sample 22.8 %) show positive results by Quantiferon test while (196 sample 77.1%) show negative test. Females constituted 118 (46.4%) of the total cases, while the males constituted 136 (53.6%). the age (31-40 years) for the negative includes (35 cases 13.7%) while (41-50 years and (61-70 years) for positive include (11cases 4.3%). Discussion: This study confirmed previous reports that the QFT test had greater sensitivity for detecting active TB than the 100-year-old TST. Conclusion: It was concluded that the quantiferon TB-2G test is a more useful diagnostic method for tuberculosis infection. QFT-Plus assay showed good sensitivity for active TB and was particularly useful for the evaluation of children with suspected LTBI, giving a low rate of indeterminate results in this group. More studies are needed to properly evaluate QFT-Plus ability in discriminating active disease from latent infection.

Case Report: Bilateral optic disc swelling in a patient with tuberculoma

BACKGROUND: In children, tuberculosis of the central nervous system most usually manifests as tubercular meningitis, hydrocephalus post-tubercular meningitis, and, in rare cases, space-occupying lesions known as tuberculoma. We address the diagnostic difficulty in an adult patient with mainly ocular symptoms who was diagnosed with tuberculoma. A 19-year-old young man came with painless bilateral blurring of vision. Bilateral optic disc swelling and bilateral sixth cranial nerve palsy were present. METHODS: Brain imaging revealed ring-enhancing lesions in the cerebellar vermis, left cerebellar hemisphere and left middle cerebral peduncle with surrounding extensive perilesional edema causing effacement of fourth ventricle leading to obstructive hydrocephalus suggestive of tuberculoma. RESULTS: He had a high erythrocyte sedimentation rate and a positive Mantoux test. His Quantiferon-TB Gold test result was positive. The examination of cerebrospinal fluid suggested a high opening pressure. Following anti-tubercular medication along with systemic steroids, his vision improved due to decreased optic disc swelling. CONCLUSION: We wish to highlight that visual loss and grave consequences of tuberculoma can be averted with early recognition and treatment.

Determining the Need for Additional Testing With Quantiferon TB Gold in Patients With Positive Tuberculin Skin Tests and a History of BCG Vaccination.

To determine if the QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFT) testing can be obviated for the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in patients with a positive tuberculin skin test (TST) and a history of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG)vaccination by identifying high-risk features in patients with positive TST and a history of BCG vaccination who are associated with positive QFT. Retrospective chart review was done for 76 adult patients by dividing them into two groups. Group 1 consisted of true positive TST patients who had BCG vaccination and were positive for QFT. Group 2 consisted of false positive TST patients who had BCG vaccination but were negative for QFT. The two groups were compared to determine if the high-risk features of TST induration diameter of 15mm and more, TST induration of 20mm and more, recent immigration to the US, the advanced age of more than 65 years, country of origin with high TB burden, known exposure to active TB, and smoking history were more prevalent in Group 1 compared to Group 2. Group 1 had 23 patients and Group 2 had 53 patients. Group 1 had a higher prevalence of patients with PPD induration of more than 10mm than Group 2, which was statistically significant with a P value of 0.03. Other risk factors of advanced age, exposure to active TB and smoking did not show statistically significant differences between Groups 1 and 2. Conclusion:This study also confirms that if the TST induration is more than 10mm in patients with a history of BCG vaccination, the TST induration is likely because of LTBI and is less likely because of cross-reaction with BCG vaccination.

Latent Mycobacterial fortuitum infection presenting as ocular sarcoidosis

A 62-year-old lady presented with bilateral granulomatous uveitis and cystoid macular edema. A diagnosis of ocular sarcoidosis was made (revised International Workshop on Ocular Sarcoidosis [IWOS] criteria) on the basis of lymphopenia, negative Mantoux, and QuantiFERON TB gold tests. Enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes, subpleural nodules, and nodular interstitial thickening were seen on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) thorax. Non-necrotizing granulomato us inflammation, negative for mycobacteria on staining and GeneXpert, was noted on endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial lymph node aspiration (EBUS-TBNA). However, culture grew Mycobacterium fortuitum after 3 weeks. This case highlights a rare presentation of latent M. fortuitum infection presenting as ocular sarcoidosis, speculating the coexistence of two diseases in an individual, one possibly triggering the other.

Concurrent syphilis, gonorrhea, and monkeypox: A case report.

Documented cases of monkeypox virus outside of Africa are rare, but as of August 22, 2022, the CDC was tracking 18,101 cases in the United States. Monkeypox rash can easily mimic other sexually transmitted infections, which may occur concurrently. This case report describes a 36-year old Caucasian man who has sex with men. The patient came in for a routine history and physical examination and disclosed a perianal rash. The patient had a medical history significant for undertreated HIV, ankylosing spondylitis, and homelessness. On examination, he had multiple perianal deep-seated ulcers that were swabbed for monkeypox and herpes simplex virus 1 and 2. Samples were also collected for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. The swabs were positive for monkeypox and pharyngeal gonorrhea. At subsequent blood draw, he was found to have elevated titers for syphilis and a positive QuantiFERON-TB gold test. In summary, this case is a clear example of an individual with concurrent monkeypox virus and other sexually and nonsexually transmitted infections, highlighting the importance of careful identification of risk factors and testing for monkeypox virus even when the clinical presentation may depict a common sexually transmitted infection, such as the herpes simplex virus.

2143. Contact Investigation after Exposure to Active Pulmonary Tuberculosis in the Pediatric Cancer Center

Abstract Background The prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) in Korean children has decreased due to universal BCG vaccination and the national TB elimination project. However, exposure to TB in children has been consistently reported. There have been few reports of TB exposure in the pediatric hematology-oncology ward. Methods A mother of a pediatric cancer patient was diagnosed with active TB with a cavity. Contact investigation was performed on patients, their parents, and healthcare workers who were exposed to the index case. The criteria for close contact were exposure in the same space with the index patient for more than 8 hours continuously or a total of 40 hours in case of multiple exposures. The initial assessment was performed as soon as the index case was identified. The second evaluation was conducted 8–10 weeks after the initial exposure. Both tuberculin skin test (TST), TB Specific Interferon-Gamma (T-SPOT) tests, and chest radiography were used in immunocompromised pediatric patients. For immunocompetent adults, the QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFT-G) test and chest radiography were performed. Results Total 23 patients and 29 parents were exposed. The median exposure duration of patients was 3 days (1–8 days). The initial evaluation did not detect TB infection in pediatric patients. However, at the second evaluation, five patients (17.4%) were diagnosed with latent TB infection (LTBI, three with positive TST and two with positive T-SPOT), and two patients (8.7 %) were diagnosed with active TB infection (lymphadenitis and pulmonary TB). Among the 29 parents, 11 individuals (37.9%) were diagnosed with LTBI at the initial evaluation, which was considered as preexisting LTBI before this exposure. No additional case of TB infection was identified in the second evaluation. Among exposed 24 healthcare workers, two (9.1%) were eventually confirmed as newly diagnosed LTBI. Conclusion TB exposure in pediatric hematology-oncology ward and outpatient chemotherapy clinic caused active TB or LTBI cases with an attack rate of 26% in children. The high LTBI rate, up to 38% among parents even before this exposure, needs further intervention such as routine LTBI evaluation and treatment for families of pediatric cancer patients to prevent a similar event. Disclosures Joon-sik Choi, MD, MS, Ministry of Trade, industry and Energy, Republic of Korea: Grant/Research Support Yae-Jean Kim, MD, PhD, Janssen: Grant/Research Support|Korean Society of Pediatric Infectious Diseases: Grant/Research Support|Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy: Grant/Research Support|MSD: Grant/Research Support.

Latent tuberculosis in adult hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients: Clinical experience from a previously endemic population.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients may be at an elevated risk of developing active tuberculosis infection due to suppression in the cellular immune system. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of latent tuberculosis and active tuberculosis in patients with allogeneic and autologous HSCT. In this cohort, data were obtained retrospectively from patients' records. The patients who were followed up in the bone marrow transplantation unit of the University of Health Sciences Dr Abdurrahman Yurtaslan Ankara Oncology Education and Research Hospital between January 2016 and December 2019 were screened for the study. And the HSCT recipients who had tuberculin skin test and/or QuantiFERON-TB gold (QFT-GIT) test results were included in the study. A total of 361 patients were included in the study, 227 patients had autologous HSCT, and 134 patients had allogeneic HSCT. QFT-GIT was performed in 10 patients with allogeneic HSCT, and it was found positive in only 1 patient. Tuberculin skin test ≥5 mm was accepted as positive and was accepted to have latent tuberculosis, and it was positive in 18.2% (41) of the patients with autologous HSCT and was positive in 21.6% (29) of the patients with allogeneic HSCT. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups (P = .429). Isoniazid (INH) prophylaxis was started in 16.7% of patients with autologous HSCT and 22.4% of patients with allogeneic HSCT. During follow-up, active tuberculosis did not develop in any patients in both groups. There was no statistically significant difference found between allogeneic and autologous HSCT recipients regarding the prevalence of latent tuberculosis. Active tuberculosis infection did not develop in any of the patients who started INH prophylaxis. INH prophylaxis seems to be very efficient in preventing the reactivation of latent tuberculosis in patients going through allogeneic HSCT and/or autologous HSCT.

The clinical utility of tuberculin skin tests: a single-center experience.

Tuberculin skin test (TST) has played an essential in the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) for nearly a century. This study aimed to investigate the general characteristics of patients tested with TST in a tertiary hospital within two years. All patients who were evaluated to screen for tuberculosis and received a TST were included. The Mantoux method was used for TST administration. A total of 661 patients, 345 (52.2%) men and 316 (47.8%) women, with a mean age of 43.0 ±15.9 years, were included in the study. Accordingly, TST was performed prior to anti-TNF biological agent therapy for 50% (331) of the participants, for LTBI screening before solid organ and/or hematological stem cell transplantation for 20.4% (135), for screening following contact with tuberculosis for 25.1% (166), for screening of healthcare professionals for 1.1% (7), and medical report for 3.3% (22). 2.7% of the patients who took TST were diagnosed with active tuberculosis (14 with pulmonary tuberculosis and 4 with extrapulmonary tuberculosis). QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFT) test was performed in 332 (50.2%) patients with anergic TST results. According to TST and QFT test results, 28.3% (187) of the patients were started on tuberculosis prophylaxis. While TST is most performed for LTBI screening prior to biological agent therapy, almost one-fourth of patients taking TST require tuberculosis prophylaxis. On the other hand, about half of the patients require an additional QFT test.

Differential activation of innate and adaptive lymphocytes during latent or active infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Most individuals infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) have latent tuberculosis (TB), which can be diagnosed with tests (such as the QuantiFERON-TB Gold test [QFT]) that detect the production of IFN-γ by memory T cells in response to the Mtb-specific antigens 6 kDa early secretory antigenic target EsxA (Rv3875) (ESAT-6), 10 kDa culture filtrate antigen EsxB (Rv3874) (CFP-10), and Mtb antigen of 7.7 kDa (Rv2654c) (TB7.7). However, the immunological mechanisms that determine if an individual will develop latent or active TB remain incompletely understood. Here we compared the response of innate and adaptive peripheral blood lymphocytes from healthy individuals without Mtb infection (QFT negative) and from individuals with latent (QFT positive) or active TB infection, to determine the characteristics of these cells that correlate with each condition. In active TB patients, the levels of IFN-γ that were produced in response to Mtb-specific antigens had high positive correlations with IL-1β, TNF-α, MCP-1, IL-6, IL-12p70, and IL-23, while the proinflammatory cytokines had high positive correlations between themselves and with IL-12p70 and IL-23. These correlations were not observed in QFT-negative or QFT-positive healthy volunteers. Activation with Mtb-soluble extract (a mixture of Mtb antigens and pathogen-associated molecular patterns [PAMPs]) increased the percentage of IFN-γ-/IL-17-producing NK cells and of IL-17-producing innate lymphoid cell 3 (ILC3) in the peripheral blood of active TB patients, but not of QFT-negative or QFT-positive healthy volunteers. Thus, active TB patients have both adaptive and innate lymphocyte subsets that produce characteristic cytokine profiles in response to Mtb-specific antigens or PAMPs. These profiles are not observed in uninfected individuals or in individuals with latent TB, suggesting that they are a response to active TB infection.