Performance of a T-cell-based diagnostic test for tuberculosis infection in HIV-infected individuals is independent of CD4 cell count

AIDS. 2005 Nov 18;19(17):2038-41. doi: 10.1097/01.aids.0000191923.08938.5b.

Abstract

The performance characteristics of the enzyme-linked immunospot assay (ELISPOT) assay (T-SPOT TB) for the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection in HIV-infected individuals are unknown. Given that ELISPOT enumerates Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigen-specific IFN-gamma-secreting T cells, HIV-associated immunosuppression might adversely affect test performance. However, we found that 28 out of 29 HIV-positive individuals (97%) gave evaluable test results, and performance was independent of the CD4 T-cell count. ELISPOT test performance appears to be independent of HIV-associated immunosuppression.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • CD3 Complex / immunology
  • CD4 Lymphocyte Count
  • Diagnostic Tests, Routine / methods
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / methods
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / complications*
  • HIV Infections / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immune Tolerance / immunology
  • Interferon-gamma / immunology
  • Interleukin-2 / immunology
  • Interleukin-4 / immunology
  • Lymphocyte Count
  • Male
  • Phytohemagglutinins / immunology
  • RNA, Messenger / blood
  • RNA, Viral / blood
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Tuberculosis / diagnosis*
  • Tuberculosis / immunology

Substances

  • CD3 Complex
  • Interleukin-2
  • Phytohemagglutinins
  • RNA, Messenger
  • RNA, Viral
  • Interleukin-4
  • Interferon-gamma