Association of age with the level of response in the QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube assay for children with active tuberculosis.

Abstract

QuantiFERON-TB data from 50 children with tuberculosis were analysed to evaluate age related effects. Significantly higher IFN-? responses to TB-specific antigens were associated with younger age, but no difference was found with Mitogen responses. Extrapolating IGRA responses to a Mitogen does not reflect those induced by an antigen-specific stimulus. QFT-IT responses to TB-specific antigens are not compromised with young age.