Abstract:

Objective To evaluate the significance of interferon-gamma （IFN-γ） release assay（IGRA） for diagnosis of tuberculosis infection in child. Methods Mycobacterium tuberculosis-specific antigen [early-secreted antigenic target-6 （ESAT-6）and culture filtrate protein-10 （CFP-10）] was used. By IGRA enzyme-linked immunospot assay（ELISPOT）（T-SPOT）,34 active tuberculosis children and 2 200 non-tuberculosis children were enrolled and determined for IFN-γ levels,and the sensitivity and specificity were evaluated. Some of influential factors were analyzed. Results The sensitivity and specificity of T-SPOT for the diagnosis of active tuberculosis were 73.5% and 99.0%,respectively. The results of T-SPOT had no relationship with sex,age,Bacillus Calmette-Guerin vaccination status,the history of exposure to source case,immunity state and infection position. Conclusion T-SPOT is sensitive,specific and helpful for early and rapid diagnosis of active tuberculosis in children.

Key words: Interferon-gamma release assay, Enzyme-linked immunospot assay, Tuberculosis infection, Child, Sensitivity, Specificity