Using Interferon-Gamma and IP10 to Identify Tuberculosis in Children
Author Information
Author(s): Yassin Mohammed Ahmed, Petrucci Roberta, Garie Kefyalew Taye, Harper Gregory, Arbide Isabel, Aschalew Melkamsew, Merid Yared, Kebede Zelalem, Bawazir Amin Ahmed, Abuamer Nabil Mohamed, Cuevas Luis Eduardo
Primary Institution: Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
Hypothesis
Can Interferon-Gamma or Interferon-Gamma-Induced-Protein-10 differentiate tuberculosis infection and disease in children of high endemic areas?
Conclusion
Interferon-Gamma and IP10 can identify children with tuberculosis infection and disease, but cannot differentiate between the two conditions.
Supporting Evidence
- Children with confirmed TB were more likely to have positive TST and INFγ results.
- IP10 concentrations were higher in children with confirmed TB and contacts.
- The study included a large sample size of 813 children.
Takeaway
The study looked at how two proteins, Interferon-Gamma and IP10, can help doctors find out if kids have tuberculosis. They found that while these proteins can show if a child has tuberculosis, they can't tell if it's a mild or serious case.
Methodology
This was a cross-sectional study involving children aged 1-15 years with symptoms of TB, contacts of adults with TB, and community controls, using TST and QFT-IT tests.
Potential Biases
High rates of indeterminate results in tests, particularly in children with probable TB, may affect the reliability of the findings.
Limitations
The study is exploratory and may not have enough power for the differences reported due to sample size calculations based on feasibility rather than statistical power.
Participant Demographics
Children aged 1-15 years from Southern Ethiopia, including symptomatic children, contacts of TB patients, and community controls.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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