| Abstract [eng] |
Interferon-gamma release assay and tuberculin skin tests are the most commonly used tests in Lithuania for the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection in people living with human imunodeficiency virus. In this study, interferon-gamma release assay was found to be more effective than the tuberculin skin test because it is more sensitive and can more frequently detect latent tuberculosis infection in intravenous drug users and those with suppressed immune system due to human immunodeficiency virus. The study also found that patients living in different regions of Lithuania have different levels of CD4+ T cells, which may affect the choice of diagnostic tool based on the level of immunosuppression. Although both tests can be used in the screening program, interferon-gamma release assay was found to be more acceptable for patients, especially those who are 40 years old or younger and who belong to socially vulnerable groups, such as intravenous drug users, unemployed people, formerly incarcerated individuals. Both tests have their advantages and disadvantages, but interferon-gamma release assay was found to be more reliable and accurate for the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis in people living with human immunodeficiency virus. Effective latent tuberculosis infection diagnosis can reduce the spread of tuberculosis in the community and protect immunocompromised individuals, including those with human immunodeficiency virus from tuberculosis. |
