Interferon-gamma release assays in tuberculous uveitis: a comprehensive review
Issued Date
2022-09-18
Resource Type
ISSN
22223959
eISSN
22274898
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85138652182
Journal Title
International Journal of Ophthalmology
Volume
15
Issue
9
Start Page
1520
End Page
1528
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
International Journal of Ophthalmology Vol.15 No.9 (2022) , 1520-1528
Suggested Citation
Tungsattayathitthan U., Boonsopon S., Tesavibul N., Dharakul T., Choopong P. Interferon-gamma release assays in tuberculous uveitis: a comprehensive review. International Journal of Ophthalmology Vol.15 No.9 (2022) , 1520-1528. 1528. doi:10.18240/ijo.2022.09.16 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/85529
Title
Interferon-gamma release assays in tuberculous uveitis: a comprehensive review
Author's Affiliation
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Tuberculous uveitis (TBU) comprises a broad clinical spectrum of ocular manifestations, making its diagnosis challenging. Ophthalmologists usually require evidence from investigations to confirm or support a clinical diagnosis of TBU. Since direct isolation of the causative organism from ocular specimens has limitations owing to the small volume of the ocular specimens, resultant test positivities are low in yield. Immunodiagnostic tests, including the tuberculin skin test and interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs), can help support a clinical diagnosis of TBU. Unlike the tuberculin skin test, IGRAs are in vitro tests that require a single visit and are not affected by prior Bacillus Calmette- Guerin vaccination. Currently, available IGRAs consist of different techniques and interpretation methods. Moreover, newer generations have been developed to improve the sensitivity and ability to detect active tuberculosis. This narrative review collates salient practice points as a reference for general ophthalmologists, such as evidence for the utilization of IGRAs in patients with suspected TBU, and summarizes basic knowledge and details of clinical applications of these tests in a clinical setting.