In the United States (U.S.), TB remains a public health threat, with as many as 14 million Americans infected with TB bacteria. At any given time, members from this large pool of infected people can develop full-blown, highly contagious TB. This new meta-analysis provides further evidence supporting a new, scientifically-proven standard for detecting tuberculosis infection.
The authors critically reviewed and analyzed 124 studies investigating the commercial QFT and T-Spot blood tests and TST for sensitivity (the percentage of infected persons who return a positive test result) in confirmed active TB cases and specificity (the percentage of uninfected persons who return a negative test result) in individuals with no risk factors for infection. Researchers found that the newer blood tests provide significant improvements in sensitivity over TST. The authors reviewed studies from developed countries and found the TST had only 71.5 percent sensitivity compared with QFT at 84.5 percent and the T-Spot at 88.5 percent.
“In addition to aiding the prevention of future outbreaks, improved tuberculosis diagnostics reduce the costs associated with TB control,” said Tony Radford, Chief Executive Officer, Cellestis Limited. “With QFT virtually eliminating false-positive readings that are common with TST, TB control and treatment can now be more accurately targeted to those persons who truly are infected, minimizing unnecessary further testing and treatment.”
About Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious disease caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB bacteria usually attack the lungs, but can affect any part of the body such as the kidney, spine, and brain. If not treated properly, TB can be fatal. TB bacteria is spread through the air when a person with TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings, which may lead people in close proximity to become infected.
About QuantiFERON(R)-TB Gold (QFT)
QuantiFERON(R)-TB Gold (QFT) is a simple blood test that accurately identifies people infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of Tuberculosis (TB). As a modern alternative to the 110 year old Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux, QFT offers unmatched specificity, high sensitivity and simplicity. QFT enables focused TB therapy by providing clinicians with an accurate, reliable and convenient TB diagnostic tool. QFT is unaffected by previous BCG vaccination and most other environmental mycobacteria. Unlike the TST, it requires only one patient visit, is a controlled laboratory test and provides an objective, reproducible result that is unaffected by subjective interpretation. Results can be available within 24 hours.
QFT(R) is sold directly in the U.S. by Cellestis Inc; in Europe by Cellestis GmbH (Germany); and in Australia and Asia by Cellestis International Pty. Ltd. (Australia). QFT is also available through Cellestis Commercial Partners in Japan, Europe, the Middle East and other countries around the world.
Cellestis is proud to be exploring opportunities to enhance the global effort to eliminate TB. Cellestis is an industry partner of FIND (the Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics) and the Stop-TB Partnership.
CONTACT: Amy Losak, Ketchum Public Relations, +1-646-935-3917,
amy.losak@ketchum.com
Web site: http://www.cellestis.com/
