Immunodiagnostic Potential of an In-Vitro Interferon-Gamma Release Assay for Latent Tuberculosis Infection Among Apparently Healthy Individuals in Okada Community, Nigeria
Benson Olu Akinshipe,
Peter Chinedu Ezeani,
Kester Awharentomah Digban,
Friday Alfred Ehiaghe,
Emmanuel Babatunde Adedeji,
Joy Imuetinyan Ehiaghe
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 3, June 2017
Pages:
41-48
Received:
4 March 2017
Accepted:
24 March 2017
Published:
9 May 2017
Abstract: A major challenge in the global Tuberculosis (TB) control is the diagnosis and treatment of Latent Tuberculosis Infection (LTBI). In the absence of any reference standard test for the diagnosis of LTBI, this study set out to compare the performance of the two current immune-based tests, Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) and Quantiferon–TB Gold In–Tube (QFT-GIT) ELISA in the diagnosis of LTBI. Two sets of diagnostic results for 196 apparently healthy volunteers from a cross-section of Okada Community, Edo State, Nigeria were compared in terms of age, occupation, BCG-vaccination status, prior TST and cigarette smoking history. Overall, 56 (28.6%) and 81 (41.3%) of the subjects were diagnosed with LTBI by the QFT-GIT test and TST respectively. The LTBI prevalence as assessed by the QFT-GIT test was significantly higher among the non-BCG-vaccinated, compared to the BCG-vaccinees (X2=18.79, df=1, p=0.0001). The highest concordance (QFT-GIT+ve/TST+ve) was found in the occupation categories (Ʀ=-0.009, p=0.747) and the highest discordance(QFT-GIT –ve/TST +ve) was with respect to the BCG-vaccination status (Ʀ=-0.194, p=0.046).The disparity in the performance of the two tests is attributable to the high false – positive TST results, which is a direct reflection of high (90.8%) BCG vaccination level among the study population. It is advocated that the two-step testing approach, using the QFT-GIT assay as a confirmatory test for LTBI after initial positive screening by the TST, be introduced into the TB control strategy in TB – laden communities with high BCG vaccination coverage.
Abstract: A major challenge in the global Tuberculosis (TB) control is the diagnosis and treatment of Latent Tuberculosis Infection (LTBI). In the absence of any reference standard test for the diagnosis of LTBI, this study set out to compare the performance of the two current immune-based tests, Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) and Quantiferon–TB Gold In–Tube (QF...
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Effects of Sperm Treatment on the Anti-sperm Antibodies IgG and IgA
Lheureux Helene,
Randriamahazo Rakotomalala Toky,
Mons Joffrey,
Gabriele Marc
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 3, June 2017
Pages:
49-52
Received:
31 May 2017
Accepted:
12 June 2017
Published:
17 July 2017
Abstract: Anti-sperm antibodies (ASA) form a class of glycoproteins commonly found in infertile men. This class of antibody causes an impairment of the spermatozoon's ability to cross cervical mucus and interact with the oocyte. The aim of our study was to analyze clinical and biological parameters of the sperm among positive ASA patients seen at the Center of Assisted Medical Procreation of the CHU Reunion before and after in-vitro treatment of autoimmune sperms. During the period from April 01, 2013 to February 29, 2015, we analyzed clinico-biological parameters of patients coming for exploring an infertility state with ASA IgG and IgA research before and after sperm treatment. Fourteen (1.51%) patients had a positive ASA, with a combination of ASA IgG and IgA for 71.42% of them. After in vitro treatment of the autoimmune sperm we found a persistence of IgA in 21.43% without IgG.
Abstract: Anti-sperm antibodies (ASA) form a class of glycoproteins commonly found in infertile men. This class of antibody causes an impairment of the spermatozoon's ability to cross cervical mucus and interact with the oocyte. The aim of our study was to analyze clinical and biological parameters of the sperm among positive ASA patients seen at the Center ...
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