Utility Of Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) Versus Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) In Detecting Latent Tubercular Infection (LTBI) Among Patients Infected With HIV: A Review

Abstract

The aim of this review is to compare the efficacy of tuberculin skin testing (TST) and interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) in detecting latent tuberculosis in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV). The diagnosis of latent TB infection in HIV patients is critical to the disease's overall control. Individuals with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) who get anti-tubercular medication have a lower risk of developing active tuberculosis. Because LTBI testing is used to identify people who will acquire active TB and would benefit greatly from treatment, the accuracy of these tests can only be determined by measuring their ability to predict active TB development. A study that evaluates the sensitivity,specificity and predictive values of two techniques may help clinician to personalize the treatment in HIV patients with latent TB, hence better clinical outcome.