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Published on: April 9, 2012

Diagnostic value of two rapid immunochromatographic tests for suspected tuberculosis diagnosis in clinical practice

Sirisak Nanta1, Patcharee Kantipong, Panita Pathipvanich

  • 1Clinical Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand = Chotmaihet Thangphaet
|December 8, 2011
PubMed

Insights

The endogenous immunochromatographic test for tuberculosis (ICT-TB) showed better diagnostic value than the exogenous ICT-TB, particularly for ruling in TB cases in specific patient subgroups. This local test offers a meaningful tool for initial TB screening.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Diagnostics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis relies on accurate and accessible testing methods.
  • Immunochromatographic tests for tuberculosis (ICT-TB) offer rapid detection potential.
  • Comparing the diagnostic utility of different ICT-TB assays is crucial for clinical implementation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate and compare the diagnostic performance of two commercial immunochromatographic tests for tuberculosis (ICT-TB) in a clinical setting.
  • To assess the effectiveness of an endogenous ICT-TB versus an exogenous ICT-TB.

Main Methods:

  • An extended cross-sectional study involving 401 patients with suspected active TB.
  • Utilized two commercial ICT-TB serum tests: an endogenous (local) and an exogenous (imported) test.
  • Followed up with all subjects for two months to ascertain diagnoses.

Main Results:

  • The endogenous ICT-TB demonstrated superior diagnostic values compared to the exogenous ICT-TB, except for specificity.
  • Overall sensitivity was low for both tests (endogenous: 35.6%; exogenous: 13.7%), with high and equivalent specificity (93.7%).
  • Diagnostic values were higher in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seronegatives and in HIV-seropositive patients with CD4+ cell counts over 200 cells/microL.

Conclusions:

  • The endogenous ICT-TB serves as a valuable tool for first-line testing to help rule in suspected TB cases.
  • HIV-seronegative individuals and HIV-seropositive patients with CD4+ counts above 200 cells/microL are likely to benefit most from this test.
  • The findings support the use of the endogenous ICT-TB in specific clinical contexts for improved TB case identification.
Abstract

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