Which test is used to detect active TB infection by stimulating T cells to release IFN-γ?

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Multiple Choice

Which test is used to detect active TB infection by stimulating T cells to release IFN-γ?

Measuring the immune response by looking at IFN-γ release from T cells after exposure to TB-specific antigens. The QuantiFERON-TB Gold test is an interferon-gamma release assay that uses a blood sample and TB-specific peptides (like ESAT-6 and CFP-10). If TB infection has occurred, memory T cells release IFN-γ when stimulated by these antigens, and the amount of IFN-γ is measured. This makes it more specific than the tuberculin skin test because the TB antigens used are not present in the BCG vaccine or most non-tuberculous mycobacteria, reducing false positives. Chest X-ray is an imaging test and doesn’t assess T cell IFN-γ release; sputum culture detects bacteria directly, and the tuberculin skin test relies on a delayed skin reaction to PPD rather than measuring IFN-γ.

Measuring the immune response by looking at IFN-γ release from T cells after exposure to TB-specific antigens. The QuantiFERON-TB Gold test is an interferon-gamma release assay that uses a blood sample and TB-specific peptides (like ESAT-6 and CFP-10). If TB infection has occurred, memory T cells release IFN-γ when stimulated by these antigens, and the amount of IFN-γ is measured. This makes it more specific than the tuberculin skin test because the TB antigens used are not present in the BCG vaccine or most non-tuberculous mycobacteria, reducing false positives. Chest X-ray is an imaging test and doesn’t assess T cell IFN-γ release; sputum culture detects bacteria directly, and the tuberculin skin test relies on a delayed skin reaction to PPD rather than measuring IFN-γ.

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