Tuberculosis infection in foreign-born children: a screening survey based on skin and blood testing

Int J Tuberc Lung Dis. 2011 Sep;15(9):1182-4, i. doi: 10.5588/ijtld.10.0736.

Abstract

This study, carried out in a low tuberculosis (TB) prevalence country with high immigration rates from high TB prevalence countries, deals with the interferon-gamma release assay, QuantiFERON®-TB Gold In-Tube, for the diagnosis of latent TB infection (LTBI) in foreign-born children. The results of our study highlight the potential advantages and concerns of using a blood test for diagnosing LTBI in a 'two-step' strategy in foreign-born children.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Emigrants and Immigrants*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Interferon-gamma / blood
  • Interferon-gamma Release Tests / methods*
  • Italy / epidemiology
  • Mass Screening / methods
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis / immunology*
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis / isolation & purification
  • Tuberculin Test / methods
  • Tuberculosis / diagnosis
  • Tuberculosis / epidemiology*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Interferon-gamma