title: Testing for latent tuberculosis infection using interferon gamma release assays in commercial sex workers at an outreach clinic in Birmingham.
abstract: This report demonstrates that using interferon gamma release assays to screen for latent tuberculosis infection in female commercial sex workers in an outreach sexual health clinic is feasible and acceptable. Routine interferon gamma release assay use successfully identified high numbers of latent tuberculosis infection. Innovative approaches to treatment and follow up were required to improve treatment adherence in this group. Direct observation of therapy within the sexual health clinic was also feasible. Successful follow up was dependent on the support of outreach workers, interpreters and tuberculosis nurses.
authors.affiliation: Department of Sexual Health, Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK riadaly@nhs.net.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Daly
authors.affiliation: Department of Sexual Health, Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, Plymouth, UK.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Khatib
authors.affiliation: Department of Sexual Health, Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Larkins
authors.affiliation: Department of Infectious Diseases, Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dedicoat
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000032:analysis*; D059425:Interferon-gamma Release Tests / Q000379:methods*; D055985:Latent Tuberculosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009169:Mycobacterium tuberculosis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D015995:Prevalence; D060386:Sex Workers; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D007371:Interferon-gamma
keywords: IGRA; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Screening; interferon gamma release assay; latent infection; sex workers; tuberculosis; women