[Comparison of conventional tuberculin skin test and QFT-2G, a new method for diagnosis of tuberculosis infection, with the use of the contact score].

Background: QuantiFERON TB-Gold (QFT) has recently been developed as a new method for diagnosing tuberculosis (TB) infection. To evaluate the usefulness of QFT, we analyzed the relationship between QFT and the closeness of contact with a source of infection, in comparison with that of the tuberculin skin test (TST).

Methods: Male (n=322) and female (n=340) subjects (4-75 years old) who had contact with an index case received QFT and TST.