[Interpretation of the tuberculin test in children with CD4 lymphocyte cell mediated immunity changes]

R Piñeiro Pérez1, M J Cilleruelo Ortega1, M García López-Hortelano1

  • 1Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital Carlos III, Madrid, España.

Insights

Immunosuppression can cause false negative tuberculin skin tests (TST). This study found no link between CD4 cell counts and TST results in immigrant children, suggesting TST reliability is not directly affected by CD4 levels.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatrics

Context:

  • Tuberculin skin test (TST) is crucial for diagnosing tuberculosis (TB).
  • Immunosuppression, indicated by low CD4 cell counts, may lead to false-negative TST results.
  • Assessing TST reliability in immunocompromised pediatric populations is important.

Purpose:

  • To investigate the association between CD4 cell counts and TST results in immigrant children.
  • To determine if CD4 cell counts modify TST outcomes in this specific population.

Summary:

  • A cross-sectional study included 1074 immigrant children (2003-2008).
  • CD4 counts were analyzed in 884 children; 5.3% had counts <25%.
  • No significant differences in TST results were observed between children with normal and pathological CD4 cell counts.

Impact:

  • Findings suggest CD4 cell counts may not directly influence TST results in immigrant children.
  • Further research with larger cohorts and more children with significantly low CD4 counts is recommended.
  • This study contributes to understanding TST accuracy in pediatric populations with varying immune statuses.