Abstract
Identification and treatment of latent tuberculous infection is one of the important measures to control the incidence of active tuberculosis. The tuberculin skin test is a useful tool in diagnosing latent tuberculous infection in selected high-risk populations. It should be placed only in cases where treatment of latent tuberculosis is considered if the test turns positive. It should not be used as a screening tool in general population, nor should it be employed to detect cases of active tuberculosis. Newer techniques of detection of delayed hypersensitivity to Mycobacteria antigens show promising results. Their current high costs limit their widespread use. The effects of BCG vaccination wane with time, and prior BCG vaccination should not be used as an argument against treatment in high-risk patients.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 799-806 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Advances in Clinical and Experimental Medicine |
Volume | 14 |
Issue number | 4 |
State | Published - Aug 31 2005 |
Keywords
- Latent infection
- Tuberculin skin test
- Tuberculosis
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology(all)