title: Comparative utility of interferon-γ release assay, QuantiFERON®TB-GIT and T-SPOT®.TB in rheumatoid arthritis.
abstract: National hospital for tuberculosis (TB) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Japan.
  
  
  
  To compare two interferon-γ release assays (IGRAs), QuantiFERON®-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT) and T-SPOT®.TB (T-SPOT), in RA patients for detecting latent tuberculous infection (LTBI).
  
  
  
  QFT and T-SPOT were conducted concurrently in 230 prospectively enrolled RA patients.
  
  
  
  There were no active TB patients. The percentage of QFT- and T-SPOT-positive patients was respectively 8.3% and 5.7%. In patients aged ⩾60 years, these proportions were respectively 12.3% and 7.2%. The percentage of QFT positivity and T-SPOT positivity at age <60 years was respectively 2.2% and 3.3%. After multivariate logistic analysis for QFT positivity, age ⩾60 years and TB suspected based on chest X-ray were selected as independent factors, with adjusted odds ratios of respectively 4.73 and 3.25. No factors were selected for T-SPOT positivity.
  
  
  
  QFT had a higher positivity rate. In the light of the previous estimated rate of LTBI in Japan, both IGRAs underestimate LTBI, and neither IGRA has enough capability to detect LTBI.
authors: Center of Rheumatology, Allergy & Clinical Immunology, National Hospital Organization Chiba-East Hospital, Chiba, Japan.
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Matsumura
authors: Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Chiba-East Hospital, Chiba, Division of Infection Control, Chiba University Hospital, Chiba, Japan.
authors: H
authors: H
authors: Igari
authors: Center of Rheumatology, Allergy & Clinical Immunology, National Hospital Organization Chiba-East Hospital, Chiba, Japan.
authors: T
authors: T
authors: Nakazawa
authors: Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Chiba-East Hospital, Chiba, Japan.
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Ishikawa
authors: Chiba Foundation for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Chiba, Japan.
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Tsuyuzaki
authors: Chiba Foundation for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Chiba, Japan.
authors: K
authors: K
authors: Suzuki
authors: Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Chiba-East Hospital, Chiba, Japan.
authors: F
authors: F
authors: Yamagishi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000150:complications / Q000382:microbiology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D059425:Interferon-gamma Release Tests; D007564:Japan; D055985:Latent Tuberculosis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008297:Male; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013256:Steroids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014374:Tuberculin Test; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D013256:Steroids; D008727:Methotrexate