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Seasonal variation in the performance of QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube assays used for the diagnosis of tuberculosis infection

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 12:43 authored by Marc Tebrueggea, Nigel Curtis, Vanessa Clifford, Cristina Fernandez-Turienzof, Nigel Kleinb, Katy FidlerKaty Fidler, Salah Mansoura, Paul Elkingtona, Stephen Morris-Jones
This study aimed to determine whether there are seasonal changes in the performance of QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT) assays, an interferon-gamma release assay widely used for the diagnosis of tuberculosis infection. Results of 31,932 QFT-GIT assays performed at a large independent, accredited diagnostic service provider in London, UK over a 4.5-year-period were analysed. The proportion of positive results was significantly lower in autumn (14.8%) than in spring (16.0%; p=0.0366) and summer (17.5%; p < 0.0001), but similar to winter (15.2%; p=0.4711). The proportion of indeterminate results was significantly higher in autumn (8.2%)than in spring (6.2%; p < 0.0001), summer (4.8%; p < 0.0001), and winter (6.2%; p < 0.0001). The highest proportions of indeterminate results were observed in October (8.4%) and November (8.8%), the lowest in June (4.5%). Our data show that significant seasonal variation occurs in the performance of QFT-GIT assays in a temperate climate setting. Potential underlying mechanisms, including host and environmental factors, are discussed.

History

Publication status

  • Published

Journal

Tuberculosis

ISSN

1472-9792

Publisher

Elsevier

Volume

110

Page range

26-29

Department affiliated with

  • BSMS Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2018-04-04

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    University of Sussex (Publications)

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