Extended culture enhances sensitivity of a gamma interferon assay for latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection

Clin Vaccine Immunol. 2007 Jun;14(6):796-8. doi: 10.1128/CVI.00093-07. Epub 2007 Apr 25.

Abstract

To test the hypothesis that prolonged culture would enhance the sensitivity of latent tuberculosis detection by a gamma interferon release assay, blood samples from 33 household contacts of Gambian tuberculosis patients were stimulated with Mycobacterium tuberculosis-specific antigens. After 24 h of culture, 66% were positive, compared to 93% after 6 days of culture.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antigens, Bacterial / immunology
  • Biological Assay*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interferon-gamma / immunology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis / immunology*
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis / physiology
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Time Factors
  • Tuberculosis / diagnosis*
  • Virus Latency*

Substances

  • Antigens, Bacterial
  • Interferon-gamma