Diagnosis of Latent Tuberculosis in Liver Transplant Candidates, a Single Center Experience.

BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis is an important cause of mortality and morbidity in liver transplant patients, so it is valuable to diagnose latent tuberculosis in liver transplant candidates by an accurate screening test prior to transplantation. Tuberculin skin test (TST) is the standard test for the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis. Currently interferon-gamma release assays (QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFT)) have been proposed as the best screening test, especially in the geographic areas with widespread BCG vaccination. In this research, we will compare these two tests in the largest liver transplant center in the south of Iran.

METHODS

Both TST and QFT were performed in 50 liver transplant patients and 50 normal healthy individuals.

RESULTS

TST was positive in 6 cases and 4 controls. QFT was positive in 5 cases and 9 controls. Sensitivity and negative predictive value were higher in QFT but the specificity and positive predictive value were higher in TST.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no significant difference between QFT and TST in evaluation of latent tuberculosis in liver transplant patients, however TST is less expensive and more feasible in Iran.