[New tools for diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection].

Until recently, the tuberculin skin test was the only test for detecting latent tuberculosis (TB) infection with a lack of specificity and reliability. Since 2005, new tests are available. Those tests are based on interferon gamma released (IGRAs) by T lymphocytes after mycobacterium tuberculosis antigen specific exposure. The new tests are able to modify our understanding of natural history of tuberculosis. Longitudinal studies are needed to define the predictive value of IGRAs.