title: Diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection among HIV-infected clients in Far North Queensland: use of an interferon-gamma release assay.
abstract: Latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection is a significant risk for those infected with HIV. We examined the use of an interferon-gamma release assay for the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis among HIV-infected clients attending two sexual health services in Far North Queensland. Of 240 clients tested, 19 returned a positive result (7.9%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.5-11.3%) and three were indeterminate (1.3%, 95% CI: -0.2%-2.7%). Low CD4 count was found to be significantly associated with an indeterminate test result (P=0.004). However, we found no significant association between test results and client demographics, self-reported prior tuberculosis infection, Bacille Calmette-Guérin vaccine status or selected tuberculosis risk factors (P-values=0.2-0.9).
authors.affiliation: Cairns Base Hospital, Cairns, QLD 4870, Australia.
authors.forename: Katrina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Lyne
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Downing
authors.forename: Darren
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Russell
mesh_terms: D015658:HIV Infections; D006801:Humans; D059425:Interferon-gamma Release Tests; D055985:Latent Tuberculosis; D011793:Queensland; D012725:Sexual Behavior