The IFN-γ release responses to Rv1986-P9, P15, P16, Rv1988-P4, P11, and Rv1987-P11 were significantly higher in the active TB group than in the control groups (p<0.05).
Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) values in response to TB antigen and mitogen were significantly higher in children than in adults (TB antigen, median of 10 versus 1.66 IU IFN-γ/ml; mitogen, median of 10 versus 6.70 IU IFN-γ/ml; <i>P</i> < 0.0001).
In particular, interleukin-18 (IL-18), an inducer of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), playing an important role in anti-mycobacterial immune responses, may influence the risk of developing active tuberculosis (TB).
The multiple adverse effects of TNF-α inhibition have been identified, including a two-to four-fold increased risk of active tuberculosis and other granulomatous conditions and an increased occurrence of some other serious bacterial, fungal and certain viral infections.
These persons do not exhibit adaptive immune priming as measured by tuberculin skin test (TST) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) release assay (IGRA) responses, nor do they develop active tuberculosis (TB).
Biological therapy using TNF-α inhibitors is very effective but is associated with an increased risk of opportunistic infections, including active tuberculosis.
Risk of active tuberculosis in patients with inflammatory arthritis receiving TNF inhibitors: a look beyond the baseline tuberculosis screening protocol.
The results suggest that the ultra-sensitive SiMoA IFNγ assay could represent a useful tool for the identification of true positive and negative samples among those giving indeterminate or uncertain results with the TB IGRA assay currently used.
<b>Methods:</b> Screening for TB was performed in children in asylum seeker reception centres by tuberculin skin test (TST) or interferon gamma release assay (IGRA).
Within 1 year after the initiation of TNF inhibitor treatment, 1 patient in the LTBI group (1/84; 1.2%) and 7 patients in the non-LTBI group (7/656; 1.1%) developed active tuberculosis.
However, Mtb-specific IFN-γ-producing T cells do not distinguish active tuberculosis (ATB) patients from individuals with asymptomatic latent Mtb infection (LTBI).
Currently available interferon-γ release assays (IGRAs) are inadequate to diagnose active TB, with reported pooled sensitivity and specificity both under 81%.
<b>Methods:</b> Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from subjects with latent MTB infection (<i>n</i> = 16) and aTB (<i>n</i> = 39) at baseline, weeks 9, 12, and 26 (end of treatment) were analyzed after intracellular interferon gamma staining and overnight stimulation with tuberculin.