[Interferon-Gamma Release Assays in the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection in clinical situations].

Until recently, the basic test to identify latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) was the tuberculin skin test, despite its limitations in the form of low sensitivity and specificity. Currently, Interferon Gamma Release Assays from peripheral blood are used for a rapid diagnosis of LTBI and measurement of the interferon gamma (IFN-g) levels secreted by specific T cells stimulated with Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens. Detection of LTBI is important in the control of people potentially at risk of TB disease, such as people remaining in close contact with BK (+) tb patient and for patients evaluated for biological treatment. The paper presents the value of IGRA in three selected clinical situations: in two cases of latent tuberculosis infection and in one case of active tuberculosis.