A study compared the accuracy of tuberculin skin tests (TST) and interferon-γ release assays (IGRAs) in predicting tuberculosis (TB) progression. The research focused on individuals at high risk of developing TB, such as close contacts or immigrants from high TB incidence countries. IGRAs, including T-SPOT.TB and QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube, outperformed TST in predicting incident TB. Positive IGRA results were associated with an eightfold higher risk of TB progression, and TB treatment completion reduced the risk of incident TB. The study supports the use of IGRAs for TB prediction, highlighting their superiority over TST in at-risk populations.
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New study finds interferon-γ release assays more effective than skin tests in predicting tuberculosis
