Contribution to diagnostics/prognostics of tuberculosis in children. II. Indicative value of metal ions and biochemical parameters in serum.

Newly introduced methods of assaying simultaneously copper and zinc and zinc alone in serum by flame atomic-absorption spectrometry are simple and economical, especially in saving the consumption of serum material. Along with biochemical parameters, they have been successfully applied to diagnostics/prognostics of tuberculosis in children, through analyses of sera from pediatric patients with lung tuberculosis or suspected tuberculosis, enabling the follow-up of therapeutic efficiency. The prognostic strength of Cu and Cu/Zn ratio together with C-reactive protein, complement components C3 and C4, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate have been documented.

Serial interferon-γ release assay in children with latent tuberculosis infection and children with tuberculosis.

Background: Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) release assay (IGRA) is used for diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), and for serial testing of active tuberculosis (TB). The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of IGRA for diagnosis and treatment monitoring of children with LTBI and children with TB. IGRA was performed in BCG vaccinated children before and six months after the beginning of treatment.

Indeterminate results of QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube assay in nonimmunosuppressed children.

Background And Aims: QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-IT) assay is a highly sensitive and specific test for the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection. Data on the use of QFT-IT assay in children are scarce and contradictory. The aim of the study was to assess the rate of indeterminate test results and to identify factors contributing to indeterminate results on routine use of QFT-IT assay in nonimmunosuppressed children.

Interferon-gamma and immunoglobulins in latent tuberculosis infection.

Background And Aims: The aim of the present study was to investigate the occupational risk of tuberculosis in health care workers (HCW) at a children's hospital in a middle-income country with an intermediate prevalence of tuberculosis and compulsory bacille Calmette-Guérin vaccination and to assess the association of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) with the concentration of immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM), C-reactive protein and hematological changes.

Methods: Fifty four HCW were divided into groups according to their exposure to tuberculous patients and interferon (IFN-gamma) findings. IFN-gamma determination and tuberculin skin test (RT23) were performed in parallel.

Chest radiography findings in primary pulmonary tuberculosis in children.

Plain chest radiography plays a major role in the diagnosis and follow-up of pulmonary tuberculosis in childhood. The aim of our study was to investigate the distribution of characteristic chest radiographic findings at diagnosis in children with pulmonary tuberculosis. The age of the patients and the type and localization of radiographic changes at admission were retrospectively analyzed.