Diagnostic accuracy of interferon-gamma release assay and mucosal-associated invariant T cells in spinal tuberculosis
1
Issued Date
2025-12-01
Resource Type
eISSN
20452322
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105021548176
Journal Title
Scientific Reports
Volume
15
Issue
1
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Scientific Reports Vol.15 No.1 (2025)
Suggested Citation
Mekariya K., Ayutthaya P.S.N., Naowanirut A., Wongsa A., Tassaneetrithep B., Tantibhedhyangkul W., Ngamskulrungroj P., Muangsomboon S., Cheiwvit P., Wilartratsami S., Luksanapruksa P., Danchaivijitr N., Boonchai K., Rattanatanasarn A., Ruangchainikom M. Diagnostic accuracy of interferon-gamma release assay and mucosal-associated invariant T cells in spinal tuberculosis. Scientific Reports Vol.15 No.1 (2025). doi:10.1038/s41598-025-23408-x Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/113156
Title
Diagnostic accuracy of interferon-gamma release assay and mucosal-associated invariant T cells in spinal tuberculosis
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Abstract
Conventional diagnostic methods for tuberculous spondylodiscitis (TS) require tissue biopsy, which can delay diagnosis. Immunodiagnostic approaches, including interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs), have shown potential for improving TS diagnosis. Recent advancements have also identified the potential role of mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells as biomarkers for TB infection. This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic performance of IGRA using the QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube test (QFT-GIT) and MAIT cell analysis for diagnosing TS. Sixty-five patients suspected TS were prospectively enrolled, of whom 24 (37%) were categorized as confirmed TS. QFT-GIT demonstrated a sensitivity of 82.61% and specificity of 77.78%. No significant differences were found in the proportion of MAIT cells, CD4 + MAIT, CD8 + MAIT, and Double negative (CD4- CD8-) MAIT when compared between TS and non-TS patients. However, The MAIT cell population in CD8 + T lymphocytes subset was significantly higher in patients with TS (p = 0.0081). MAIT cell percentage > 2.63% in CD8 + T cell subset demonstrated fair discriminative ability, with an AUC of 0.746, sensitivity of 90.5%, and specificity of 51.4%. Combining QFT-GIT and the proportion of MAIT cells in CD8 + T cells subset improved specificity to 96.9%. These findings highlight the potential of these tests as promising, non-invasive diagnostic tools for differentiating TS in spondylodiscitis patients, especially when tissue diagnosis is not feasible.