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T-cell assay as a diagnostic tool for tuberculosis

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Abstract

This study aimed to estimate the specificity and sensitivity of a whole blood IFN-g assay (ELISPOT) test for diagnosis in childhood tuberculosis. 96 patients, less than 18 years of age, diagnosed and commenced on anti-tubercular therapy were enrolled and tested. 47 age and sex matched controls were also tested. 23 tests were deemed invalid and analysis done on the remainder. The sensitivity was 53.3% in confirmed cases and less in other groups. The specificity was high at 97.9%. This test can be an useful aid in the diagnosis of tuberculosis.

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Correspondence to Anuradha Bose.

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Warier, A., Gunawathi, S., Venkatesh et al. T-cell assay as a diagnostic tool for tuberculosis. Indian Pediatr 47, 90–92 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13312-010-0011-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13312-010-0011-8

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