The role of IGRA in the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis among the pediatric population: an integrative review
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Abstract
Background and Objectives: Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) contributes considerably to the increased incidence of active tuberculosis. Children, in addition to having a greater chance of converting the dormant pathogen into active disease, face other risk situations related to their age group, such as comorbidities, malnutrition, and immunological immaturity. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the role of the Interferon-gamma Release Test (IGRA) as a diagnostic tool applied to children in different epidemiological contexts. Methods: Integrative review study, using the Virtual Health Library (VHL) database to search for publications. Results: Eighteen studies published between 2019 and 2024 were selected, focusing on LTBI diagnosis in the pediatric population. Cohort studies, clinical trials, and cross-sectional studies were predominant. Most studies highlighted the superior efficacy of the IGRA test compared to the Tuberculin Skin Test, especially in children vaccinated with bacillus Calmette and Guérin (BCG) and immunosuppressed groups. Factors such as immunization, diagnostic variability and epidemiological context influenced the test results, highlighting the importance of more accurate diagnostic methods to improve screening and treatment in different populations. Conclusion: Accurate diagnostic methods, such as IGRA, are essential to improve the detection of LTBI in the pediatric population in the different epidemiological contexts studied.
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