A recent study has revealed potential limitations in the widely used QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus test for predicting tuberculosis, particularly among patients with compromised immune systems. The University of the Saarland announced the findings Friday. The research, led by Martina Sester and Christoph Lange, was conducted across eleven European countries.
The investigation, spanning from 2015 to 2019, analyzed data from over 2,600 patients, including 1,788 individuals with weakened immune systems due to conditions such as organ transplantation or HIV infection. The test, which measures the immune system’s response to the tuberculosis bacterium, frequently produced false negative results within this patient group. This is a concern as tuberculosis poses a significant health risk for those with diminished immunity.
The study’s conclusions indicate that reliance solely on the QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus test may not be sufficient for diagnosing active tuberculosis. Researchers recommend incorporating additional risk factors, such as HIV status and overall immune function, into the evaluation process to facilitate timely preventative treatment.