A new study indicates that the widely used QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus test may not be sufficiently reliable for predicting tuberculosis in patients with weakened immune systems. Researchers at Saarland University announced the findings Friday. The multinational research project, 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 compromised immune systems – such as those post-organ transplantation or living with HIV. The test, which measures the immune response to the bacteria that causes tuberculosis, frequently produced false negative results within this patient group. This is a concerning issue, as tuberculosis poses a significant threat to individuals with weakened immunity.
The study’s results suggest the QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus test should not be used in isolation for diagnosing active tuberculosis. Scientists recommend incorporating additional risk factors, including HIV status and overall immune competence, into the assessment process to enable preventative treatment strategies.
