Tuberculosis, Diagnostic Methods and Validity

Abstract

According to a 2010 WHO report, there was a world population of 7 billion, of which 2.3 billion were infected with tuberculosis infection, resulting in 9 million people who developed the disease, killing 1.4 to 2 million of these. For this reason, tuberculosis is considered a global public health problem. Until just 10-15 years ago, only one tool was available to diagnose TB infection, the so-called tuberculin (PT), PPD or Mantoux test. Currently there are more specific tests such as: Gold standard test / gold test of tuberculosis or Bascilloscopy that has a specific (100%) and sensitive (80%); The interferon gamma (IGRA) release assay is being used, which is measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); And ELISPOT (ELISA variant) to detect the monocytic cells that respond to this antigenic stimulation