Positive Conversion of Tuberculin Skin Test and Performance of Interferon Release Assay to Detect Hidden Tuberculosis Infection During Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor Agent Trial

Abstract

Serial TST with IFN-gamma assay may be useful to identify false-negative response to cases of latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and new TB infections in patients with immune mediated inflammatory diseases during longterm anti-TNF therapy, especially in areas with intermediate TB burden.