Diagnosis of Active Tuberculosis by ELISPOT

Diagnosis of Active Tuberculosis in Endemic Area by Using Enzyme-Linked Immunospot Assay for Gamma-Interferon

Recent studies revealed that the ex vivo enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay for gamma interferon is a specific method for contact tracing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. However, its use in endemic area and bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG)-vaccinated hosts has not been proved. We hypothesize that the TB-ELISPOT assay can be a rapid and accurate diagnostic tool for active tuberculosis in clinical suspects in Taiwan.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients who present with fever or respiratory symptoms (cough, dyspnea, or hemoptysis) lasting for ≥ 2 weeks and have compatible radiographic findings were considered clinical suspects of TB.

Exclusion Criteria:

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