Demographics and prevalence of positive QuantiFERON‐TB Gold In‐Tube test in renal transplant candidates. Issue 1 (30th January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Simkins, J.; Kraus, K.; Morris, M.I.
• Is Part Of: Transplant infectious disease. Volume 18:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 5
• Page End: 13
• Publication Date: 2016-01-30
• Subjects: latent tuberculosis -- QuantiFERON‐TB Gold In‐Tube -- renal transplant candidates -- solid organ transplant; Transplantation of organs, tissues, etc -- Complications -- Periodicals; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Infection -- Periodicals; 617.01
• DOI: 10.1111/tid.12476
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1398-2273

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) screening prior to solid organ transplantation is standard of care. QuantiFERON‐TB Gold In‐Tube (QFT‐GIT) test is the preferred diagnostic test for renal transplant candidates (RTC). QFT‐GIT reversions and the potential delay of living‐donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) because of QFT‐GIT positivity have not been examined previously in RTC. Methods: We evaluated the prevalence of positive QFT‐GIT in RTC from January 1 through December 31, 2011. In addition, we examined the demographic and renal disease data differences between QFT‐GIT‐positive and ‐negative patients, changes in QFT‐GIT results, and positive QFT‐GIT results reverting to negative. Lastly, we evaluated if QFT‐GIT‐positive patients were less likely to undergo LDKT within 6 months of QFT‐GIT testing. Results: In total, 722 RTC were analyzed, 16% of whom had positive QFT‐GIT. The QFT‐GIT‐positive patients were more likely to be older and foreign‐born, P < 0.0001. Haitians had the highest prevalence. Of the 119 QFT‐GIT‐positive patients, 25% had low/intermediate‐positive results and were more likely to revert to negative, compared with patients with high‐positive QFT‐GIT results (50% vs. 0%, P = 0.01). A trend was seen toward fewer QFT‐GIT‐positive patients undergoing LDKT, compared with QFT‐GIT‐negative patients (0% vs. 3%, P = 0.09). Conclusions: Our high prevalence was likely a result of the high number of foreign‐born RTC. Half of our small subset of low/intermediate‐positive QFT‐GIT patients reverted to negative. QFT‐GIT‐positive patients were more likely to have their LDKT delayed.