Serological tests for the diagnosis of active tuberculosis: Relevance for India

摘要: Diagnostic tests for active tuberculosis (TB) based on the detection of antibodies (serological tests) have been commercially available decades, although no international guidelines recommended their use. An estimated 1.5 million serological TB tests, mainly enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, are performed in India alone every year, mostly private sector. The cost is conservatively at US $15 (` 825 million) per year. Findings from systematic reviews diagnostic accuracy both pulmonary and extra-pulmonary suggest that these inaccurate imprecise. A cost-effectiveness modelling study suggests that, if used as a replacement test sputum microscopy, serology would increase costs to Indian control sector approximately 4-fold result fewer disability-adjusted life years averted more false-positive diagnoses. After considering all evidence, World Health Organization issued strong recommendation against use currently commercial diagnosis disease. expanding evidence base continues demonstrate harms/risks far outweigh benefits. Greater engagement needed discontinue replace with WHO-endorsed new diagnostics India. recent ban import or sale by health ministry welcome step right direction.