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Mantoux test tuberculin reaction in Nigerians
1Department of Surgery, University of Ilorin, Nigeria.
African Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences
|March 1, 1994
Summary
The Mantoux test shows high sensitivity for tuberculosis diagnosis in Nigerian patients, but its specificity varies with reaction size. Larger skin reactions (over 15mm) improve specificity, aiding tuberculosis detection.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Tuberculosis remains a significant global health challenge, particularly in developing nations.
- Accurate diagnostic tools are crucial for effective tuberculosis control programs.
- The intradermal tuberculin test (Mantoux test) is a widely used tool for diagnosing tuberculosis infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the Mantoux test in Nigerian tuberculosis patients.
- To correlate tuberculosis infection with skin reactivity in the Nigerian population.
- To assess the impact of serum protein levels on tuberculosis diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-seven Nigerian tuberculosis patients and 75 controls underwent Mantoux testing with varying purified protein derivative (P.P.D.) doses.
- Serum transferrin and albumin levels were measured using radial immunodiffusion.
- Skin reactions were analyzed in relation to age, treatment status, and tuberculosis diagnosis.
Main Results:
- Mantoux readings greater than 9.9mm demonstrated 86.5% sensitivity but only 28% specificity for tuberculosis.
- Readings greater than 15mm increased specificity to 74.7%.
- Tuberculosis patients tended to have lower serum transferrin and albumin levels compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- The Mantoux test exhibits high sensitivity for detecting tuberculosis in Nigerian reactors.
- Specificity is significantly improved with larger induration sizes (≥15mm).
- Reappraisal of the intradermal tuberculin test's diagnostic value is needed, considering improving nutritional status in Nigeria.