Pneumologie 2009; 63 - V148
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1214067

Diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection in HIV-seropositive individuals by interferon-gamma release assays

L Leidl 1, H Manyanja-Kizza 2, J Baseke 2, C Hirsch 3, D Goletti 4, Z Toossi 3, C Lange 1
  • 1Research Center Borstel
  • 2Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
  • 3Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA
  • 4National institute for Infectious Diseases, Rome, Italy

Background: We ascertained the performance of T-cell interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA) for the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in patients with HIV-infection in an area of TB endemicity.

Methods: Tuberculin skin test, Quantiferon Gold in tube and T-Spot.TB assays were performed on the peripheral blood of newly diagnosed HIV+ individuals without signs and symptoms of active tuberculosis at an outpatient clinic at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda.

Results: At time of analysis, 134 individuals were enrolled. Median number of CD4+ T-cells was 257/microL). For the TST, QTF-GIT, and T-Spot.TB test results were +ve in 70%, 67%, and 57% of individuals respectively, however only 68% (k=0.31) of TST and T-Spot.TB results, 66% (k=0.12) of TST and QFT-GIT results and 62% (k=0.23) of TIGRA results were concordant. Immunodeficiency did not significantly influence TST or TIGRA test results in this cohort.

Conclusion: The degree of concordant test result with the TST, QTF-IT and T-Spot TB for the diagnosis of LTBI is relatively low in this cohort. The sensitivity of the TST and of IGRA for the diagnosis of LTBI in patients with moderately advanced HIV-infection seems to unaffected at large.