Interferon-γ release assay for tuberculosis screening of healthcare workers at a Korean tertiary hospital

Scand J Infect Dis. 2010 Dec;42(11-12):943-5. doi: 10.3109/00365548.2010.524658. Epub 2010 Oct 11.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the annual incidence of tuberculosis infection among newly employed doctors and nurses in Korea. The annual incidence of tuberculosis infection ranged from 3.3% to 5.7%, based on the definition of conversion of an interferon-γ release assay, which suggests that stricter preventive strategies against nosocomial TB infection should be employed. Follow-up interferon-γ levels measured after 3 months of isoniazid and rifampicin treatment showed considerable variation. Therefore, serial testing with interferon-γ release assays after treatment of latent TB infection may be insufficient for evaluating the effects of treatment due to the variable responses.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antitubercular Agents / administration & dosage
  • Female
  • Health Personnel*
  • Hospitals
  • Humans
  • Immunoassay / methods
  • Incidence
  • Interferons / metabolism*
  • Isoniazid / administration & dosage
  • Male
  • Mass Screening / methods*
  • Republic of Korea / epidemiology
  • Rifampin / administration & dosage
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tuberculosis / diagnosis*
  • Tuberculosis / drug therapy
  • Tuberculosis / epidemiology*

Substances

  • Antitubercular Agents
  • Interferons
  • Isoniazid
  • Rifampin