HIV infection highly increases the risk of progression of latent tuberculosis (TB) to active disease that therapy is recommended for all PPD-positive, HIV-infected patients, regardless of age. Sensitivity of the PPD testing is, however, dependent on a normal T cell function.

Therefore, an accurate and reliable method for detection of latent tuberculosis in patients with HIV is urgently needed.

This prospective study will examine the utility of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) based assay, T-SPOT.TB,for detection of TB in HIV-infected individuals.

Inclusion Criteria

• adult individuals with confirmed HIV infection

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who are on INH treatment
• Patients who have a positive PPD test within 1 year of study enrollment
• Individuals with blistering or ulcerating skin disorder
• Pregnant women
• Patients who were given blood transfusion within 6 weeks prior to enrollment

Adult patients with HIV confirmed by standard methods