A positive test QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube in a patient treated with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis
Niepolski, L.; Grzegorzewska, A.E.
Polski Merkuriusz Lekarski Organ Polskiego Towarzystwa Lekarskiego 37(222): 341-343
2014
ISSN/ISBN: 1426-9686 PMID: 25715574 Document Number: 676932
Patients undergoing renal replacement therapy have a higher risk of developing tuberculosis (TBC) in comparison with normal renal function population. The anergy to the tuberculin skin test, the lack of characteristic clinical symptoms of TBC and typical radiographic signs, and high prevalence of extrapulmonary TBC make the diagnosis in dialysis patients difficult and often delay the treatment. In contrast to the active TBC, latent TBC infection (LTBI) is asymptomatic and is not a direct epidemiological problem. However, in patients with end-stage renal disease prepared for renal transplantation, it is an obstacle to qualifying for immunosuppressive therapy. Treatment of LTBI patients with antimycobacterial medication decreases about 90% risk of developing active TB. Therefore, the possibility of a fast and easy identification of LTBI in this group of patients is extremely important. Test QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-G) is a new, simple and rapid diagnostic tool in LTBI and active tuberculosis infection (in conjunction with previously used clinical and microbiological methods). This test has been approved and is used in many European countries and in the USA. In a 65-year old patient, treated for 5 years with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, positive QFT-G results were shownin the course of diagnosis before reporting to the transplant program. After conducting an extensive diagnosis for tuberculosis infection (epidemiological interview, clinical examination, imaging studies, cultures by MB/BacT and the conventional method, consultations with a pulmonologist), latent form of tuberculosis was diagnosed with unspecified location. Due to the positive QFT-G and the need for future immunosuppressive treatment after kidney transplantation, a three-month prophylactic treatment with Rifamazyd 450 mg per day was included. After treatment, the patient entered the waiting list for a kidney transplant. Test QFT-G, in conjunction with other conventional methods is a good and rapid diagnostic tool in the identification of LTBI.