Extended Culture Enhances Sensitivity of a Gamma Interferon Assay for Latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection

Abstract
To test the hypothesis that prolonged culture would enhance the sensitivity of latent tuberculosis detection by a gamma interferon release assay, blood samples from 33 household contacts of Gambian tuberculosis patients were stimulated with Mycobacterium tuberculosis -specific antigens. After 24 h of culture, 66% were positive, compared to 93% after 6 days of culture.

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