Interferon-gamma release assays versus tuberculin skin test for latent tuberculosis infection positivity among healthcare workers and first responders: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Hamoud Alahmari, Lisa Hanson, Peter G Kelley et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) positivity among healthcare workers and first responders using interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) and tuberculin skin tests (TSTs). The analysis included 95 studies with 63,988 participants, revealing a pooled IGRA positivity of 22% and TST positivity of 38%. Notably, IGRA positivity was 46% lower than TST in studies using both methods.
Key findings
- Pooled IGRA positivity was 22% (95% CI: 17-28%) among participants.
- Pooled TST positivity was 38% (95% CI: 31-44%) among participants.
- IGRA positivity was 46% lower than TST positivity in studies using both tests.
- TST positivity was significantly associated with higher BCG vaccination rates.
Why it matters
Understanding the differences in LTBI positivity rates between diagnostic methods is crucial for effective screening and management of tuberculosis in healthcare settings, particularly in populations with varying BCG vaccination histories.