Revisión de la actualización de los procedimientos para el diagnóstico de la Infección Tuberculosa Latente en Asturias

Abstract

Objective: To determine the current status of techniques for the diagnosis of Latent Tuberculosis Infection (LTI) in Asturias.

Method: We performed a wide bibliographical revision by reference to primary sources and databases for recent and essential bibliography of the issue providing information about the current recommendations for the different diagnostic methods for tuberculosis domestically and internationally level.

Results: There are currently two techniques for the diagnosis of LTI: Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) and Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRA) techniques. The bibliography argues that the IGRA has entailed improved due to submit highest specificity and sensitivity than the TST, in addition to less influence of the technical problems of interpretation and administration, and requiring a single visit by the patient. Thus the General Directorate of Public Health (GDPH) in Asturias bet for a greater use of IGRA.

Conclusions: There is disagreement in the bibliography about what is the best diagnostic method for TB. According to the recent recommendations of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, it appears that in the case of diagnosis of LTI is best to combine both techniques; which reveals the possible need to review again the protocol GDPH of Asturias to verify which is more appropriate to provide these patients the best care available