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Screening for latent TB in patients with rheumatic disorders prior to biologic agents in a ‘high-risk’ TB population: comparison of two interferon gamma release assays

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Abstract

Patients with rheumatic disorders treated with TNF inhibitors are at increased risk of developing TB. There is no ‘gold-standard’ for the diagnosis of latent TB prior to initiation of biologic agents. We report our own experience of comparing two interferon gamma release assays (IGRAs) in screening for latent TB in a ‘high-risk’ TB area in patients with rheumatic disorders. The study demonstrated good concordance between the two tests. We believe the additional cost of these assays is justified in high-risk populations prior to biologic agents, with 16 % of the current study population with at least one positive IGRA assay.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Slough, UK

    Sunil Melath, Mediola Ismajli, Robin Smith, Ishita Patel & Alan Steuer

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  1. Sunil Melath
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  2. Mediola Ismajli
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  3. Robin Smith
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  4. Ishita Patel
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  5. Alan Steuer
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Correspondence to Alan Steuer.

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Melath, S., Ismajli, M., Smith, R. et al. Screening for latent TB in patients with rheumatic disorders prior to biologic agents in a ‘high-risk’ TB population: comparison of two interferon gamma release assays. Rheumatol Int 34, 149–150 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296-012-2641-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296-012-2641-8

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