Interferon-gamma release assays and the diagnosis of tuberculosis: Have they found their place?

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) remains an important issue in Australia with more than 85% of active cases contributed by overseas-born persons. Other risk groups include older Australians who acquired TB in the past and indigenous people. Immune suppression is an emerging risk factor for TB, particularly due to the expanding group of conditions for which potent immunosuppressive therapies is now used. Screening for latent TB is recommended in many risk groups including recent contacts of those with transmissible TB, those undergoing immune suppressive therapy, recently arrived refugees or migrants from high-risk countries and indigenous people with high rates of TB in the local community. Interferon-gamm..