Latent tuberculosis infection in individuals with human immunodeficiency virus infection: comparison of tuberculin skin test to the anti TB-IgM antibodies

ABSTRACT

To determine Latent Tuberculosis Infection [LTBI] prevalence and compare TST results to the anti TB-IgM anti bodies [ATIA] for the diagnosis of LTBI in HIV infected individuals. Sixty two randomized sampled HIV infected subjects from an addict treatment center in Ahvaz southwest Iran underwent TST, using 5 TU of purified protein derivative, and measuring ATIA. Data were analyzed in SPSS [version 16, USA]. Of 62 participants, 34 [54.8%] had positive result for TST, whereas 6 [9.7%] had positive ATIA. Overall concordance between TST and ATIA was 45.2% [Kappa= 0.37, p = 0.32]. In subjects with positive test results by either TST or ATIA, only 4.8% had positive test results by both tests. Discordant results were found in 54.8% of subjects. Positive results for both tests in subjects categorized in two groups [above and below 200 CD4-cell/mm3] had no significant difference [P>0.05]. LTBI prevalence among HIV infected individuals in studied area is higher than other parts of the world. TST is a useful test for LTBI diagnosis and prefer to ATIA. Concordance between TST and ATIA is low