Evaluation of Diagnostic Performance of Three Commercial Interferon-Gamma Release Assays for .

Interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) have gained attention for the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) due to their higher specificity compared to the tuberculin skin test (TST). However, the IGRA's performance varies across different populations. This study evaluated the diagnostic performance of three IGRAs (TBF-FIA, TBF-ELISA, and QFT-Plus) in Ghana, comparing them among individuals exposed and unexposed to MTB infection.

T cells exhaustion, inflammatory and cellular activity markers in PBMCs predict treatment outcome in pulmonary tuberculosis patients.

Background: Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is a well-known disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Its pathogenesis is premised on evasion of the immune system and dampened immune cells activity.

Methods: Here, the transcription pattern of immune cells exhaustion, inflammatory, and cellular activity markers were examined in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from PTB patients at various stages of treatment.

Prevalence and predictors of NTM in presumed/confirmed drug-resistant TB.

Introduction: Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are increasingly isolated in individuals with presumed/confirmed pulmonary TB. We aimed to estimate the prevalence and species distribution of NTM among presumed/confirmed drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) individuals and determine NTM isolation predictors.

Methods: Sputum samples collected for DR-TB diagnosis and follow-up from 2012 to 2021 in Ghana were retrospectively analysed.

Self-reported continuing professional development needs of medical laboratory professionals in Ghana.

Background: Because of the essential nature of the work of medical laboratory professionals, continuing development in knowledge and skills is indispensable. The study aimed at identifying and prioritizing the development and training needs of medical laboratory professionals in Ghana. This is expected to help in developing focused continuing professional development (CPD) that meets the needs of practitioners as well as the changing medical trends.

Bidirectional screening and testing for TB and COVID-19 among outpatient department attendees: outcome of an initial intervention in Ghana.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health threat in Ghana. The impact of COVID-19 resulted in a 15% decline of TB case notification in 2020 compared to 2019. To mitigate the impact on TB services, the Ghana National Tuberculosis Programme (NTP) introduced the bidirectional screening and testing for TB and COVID-19 in 2021.