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An editorial published in Respirology by Wiley-Blackwell discusses the role of IGRA in the diagnosis of TB and brings attention to the potential caveats in the application of these new tests.
“IGRA offers many advantages over TST, such as completion of tests in one visit, availability of results within 24 hours, absence of inter and intra-divergence, ability to detect potential immonu-depression and the avoidance of the booster phenomenon. However, their current cost and the need for delivery of fresh blood limits the feasibility of large-scale application in most TB-endemic areas,” said author Professor Chi Chiu Leung of the Tuberculosis and Chest Service, Department of Health, Hong Kong.
TB is an ancient disease that remains a major killer in many parts of the world. It is estimated that one out of ten infected immuno-competent individuals will develop the clinical disease in his or her lifetime.
The ultimate purpose of screening for TB infection is to prevent the onset of the disease. Unfortunately, none of the existing tests for TB infection can distinguish between latent infection and active disease.
“While it is generally difficult to interpret a positive test in TB-endemic areas, IGRA may still play an important adjunctive role for the diagnosis of active TB in children. The new tools offer significant advantages over TST, especially in setting with widespread BCG vaccinations after infancy or revaccinations.” said Professor Leung.
He added, “With the various intrinsic limitations present in IGRA, added care should be exercised in the application and interpretation of the new tools. Further studies are required to provide definitive answers and allow these new tools to be applied more effectively.”
This paper is published in the January 2009 issue of Respirology (Vol. 14, Issue 2).
Media wishing to receive a copy of the full study in PDF or to schedule media interviews with the author should contact Alina Boey, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications.
About Respirology
Respirology is a journal of international standing, publishing peer-reviewed articles of scientific excellence in clinical and experimental respiratory biology and disease and its related fields of research including thoracic surgery, internal medicine, immunology, intensive and critical care, epidemiology, cell and molecular biology, pathology, pharmacology and physiology.
About Wiley-Blackwell
Wiley-Blackwell was formed in February 2007 as a result of the acquisition of Blackwell Publishing Ltd. by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., and its merger with Wiley’s Scientific, Technical, and Medical business. Together, the companies have created a global publishing business with deep strength in every major academic and professional field. Wiley-Blackwell publishes approximately 1,400 scholarly peer-reviewed journals and an extensive collection of books with global appeal.
About Wiley
Founded in 1807, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. has been a valued source of information and understanding for 200 years, helping people around the world meet their needs and fulfill their aspirations. Since 1901, Wiley and its acquired companies have published the works of more than 350 Nobel laureates in all categories: Literature, Economics, Physiology/Medicine, Chemistry and Peace.
Our core businesses include scientific, technical, medical and scholarly journals, encyclopedias, books, and online products and services; professional/trade publishes books, subscription products, training materials, and online applications and websites; and educational materials for undergraduate and graduate students and lifelong learners. Wiley's global headquarters are located in Hoboken, New Jersey, with operations in the U.S., Europe, Asia, Canada, and Australia. The Company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbols JWa and JWb.
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