[Application of T cell responses to novel RD1-encoded mycobacterium tuberculosis gene products for specific detection of human tuberculosis infection].

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical significance of using T cell responses to three RD1-encoded gene products for diagnosis of mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection.

METHODS

We used ex vivo gamma-interferon enzyme-linked immunospot assays to test T cell responses to three novel gene products encoded by RD1 (Rv3873, Rv3878, and Rv3879c) in 49 patients (TB group) who were bacteriologically confirmed by positive cultures for MTB and 38 healthy BCG-vaccinated donors (control group). Forty-nine overlapping peptides were tested in all participants.

RESULTS

The T cell response rates to Rv3873, Rv3878, and Rv3879c were 53% (95% CI: 39%-67%), 35% (95% CI: 22%-48%), and 45% (95% CI: 31%-57%), respectively, in the TB group and were 7.9%, 2.6%, and 2.6%, respectively, in the control group.

CONCLUSION

Rv3879c peptides can be candidates for inclusion in new T cell-based tests for MTB infection.