Review article
https://doi.org/10.2478/10004-1254-63-2012-2134
The Role of Interferon-Gamma Release Assay in Tuberculosis Control
Anamarija Jurčev-Savičević
; Teaching Public Health Institute of Split and Dalmatia County and School of Medicine University of Split, Split, Croatia
Vera Katalinić-Janković
; Croatian National Institute of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia
Kornelija Miše
; Split University Hospital, Department of pulmonary diseases, and School of Medicine University of Split, Split, Croatia
Ivan Gudelj
; Split University Hospital, Department of pulmonary diseases, and School of Medicine University of Split, Split, Croatia
Abstract
Tuberculosis is still one of the major global public health threats. Countries with low incidence must focus on exhausting the reservoir of future cases by preventing reactivation. Therefore, it is important to identify and effectively treat those individuals who have latent tuberculosis infection and who may develop active disease. The tuberculin skin test has been the standard for detection of immune response against M. tuberculosis since the beginning of the 20th century. The new millennium has brought advancement in the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection. The name of the new blood test is interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA). Croatia is a middle-incidence country with a long decreasing trend and developed tuberculosis control. To reach low incidence and finally eliminate tuberculosis, its tuberculosis programme needs a more aggressive approach that would include intensive contact investigation and treatment of persons with latent tuberculosis infection. This article discusses the current uses of IGRA and its role in tuberculosis control.
Keywords
Croatia; enzyme-linked immunospot assay; latent tuberculosis infection; QuantiFERONTB Gold In-Tube; tuberculin skin test
Hrčak ID:
78645
URI
Publication date:
21.3.2012.
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