Latent tuberculosis infection: the possibility of quantiferon test

Abstract

The review deals with the problem of diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection (LTI). The article presents information about LTI screening tests: their sensitivity, specificity, advantages and disadvantages. The possibilities of using quantiferon test during the diagnosis of LTI are discussed in more detail. The article provides information on the methodology for its implementation, the interpretation of results and factors that may affect the results. The questions about the diagnostic limitations of quantiferon test in special categories of patients: children, HIV-infected persons, pregnant women were discussed. Issues of false negative results and factors that may affect such results are considered.

Keywords

• tuberculosis
• latent tuberculosis infection
• quantiferon test
• interferon gamma