IFN- promoter polymorphisms do not affect QuantiFERON TB Gold In-Tube test results in a Canadian population.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Several studies have shown polymorphisms within the interferon-gamma (IFN-) promoter influence cytokine expression. The interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) relies on the ability to produce IFN- in response to tuberculosis (TB) specific antigens. This study determined the relationship between the IFN- +874 A/T promoter polymorphism and the performance of the QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT) test in an ethnically diverse Canadian population. METHODS: A total of 190 participants were categorised into three groups based on history of and exposure to TB: active TB (n = 55), TB exposed (n = 55) and presumably TB unexposed controls (n = 80). All participants underwent QFT-GIT tes..