Kekkaku : [Tuberculosis]
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Kekkaku : [Tuberculosis] · Nov 2006
Review[Characteristics of a diagnostic method for tuberculosis infection based on whole blood interferon-gamma assay].
It is assumed that about 10% of individuals infected with M. tuberculosis (Mtb) develop tuberculosis (Tb), and the remaining 90% suppress contain Mtb through their immune systems, but have a latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). To effectively control Tb, it is essential to detect individuals with LTBI in a Tb outbreak and provide chemoprophylaxis for them. Until recently, the tuberculin skin test (TST) has been the only diagnostic method for LTBI. ⋯ The behavior of QFT-2G in infants or children is not understood either. Especially in infants, the problem of the blood volume required for the QFT-2G test is the major issue. We are working on these issues to provide more appropriate directions for QFT-2G users, and hope that we can contribute to Tb control.