Impact of a T-cell interferon-gamma release assay for the diagnosis of active tuberculosis at a clinical TB referral center in Germany

Objective: The diagnostic procedures for the clinical evaluation of patients with a presumptive diagnosis of tuberculosis have changed in recent years. Methods: Between fall 2005 and spring 2007 we evaluated the outcome of procedures for the diagnosis of tuberculosis at a TB referral center in Germany. Results: Data from 150/217 patients who were referred to the clinic with the presumptive diagnosis of tuberculosis were available for an interim analysis. 32/150 (21.3%) presumptive cases of tuberculosis were confirmed by a positive MTB culture on sputum (23/31; 74%), BAL or transbronchial biopsies (TBB) (addition…