182a - TB and Viral Infection Testing Flashcards
Which of the following is not used for clinical diagnosis?
- Virus culture
- Serology
- Rapid antigen detection
- Molecular methods
b. Serology
Molecular methods (PCR) are preferred
What are the strengths of molecular assays (PCR) over other diagnostic methods?
-
Better performance
- Sensitivity and specificity
- Faster result time
- Detection of non-culturable viruses
- Detection of more coinfections
- Automation
- Potential for quantification
What are the limitations of the PPD skin test for tuberculosis?
- False positives
- BCG vaccinees
- Repeat PPD testing
- Other mycobacterial infection
- Return visit to physician’s office required within 48-72h
- Innacuracies in the placement and interpretation of the test
What are the US recommendations for the BCG vaccine?
Administer to…
- TST-negative individuals residing in areas with annual TB incidence of > 1%
- TST-negative children exposed to individuals with active TB and MDR-TB and unable to take oral isoniazid
The vaccine is protective against systemic and meningeal TB, but not pulmonary TB
____ and ______ signaling are crucial for controlling mycobacterial infections (keeping them in a latent form)
IFN-gamma** and **IL-12 signaling are crucial for controlling mycobacterial infections (keeping them in a latent form)
How does the IGRA overcome the problem of false-positives due to BCG vaccination?
The IGRA uses antigens that are not present in the BCG sub-strains of M. bovis.
(ESAT-6, CFP-10, TB-7.7)
Why is multiplexing so useful for the diagnosis of infectious syndromes?
Similar respiratory syndromes can be caused by many different viruses or bacteria
Multiplexing allows us to detect the presence of several different viruses with one test
If a patient has a LOF mutation in their STAT1 IFN-gamma receptor, which infections are they more susceptible to?
Why?
Mycobacterial infections
The IFN-gamma signalling pathway is important for the control of these infections.
A LOF mutation in the STAT1 IFN-gamma receptor prevents this pathway from working
Which respiratory virus is most likely to present year-round?
- RSV
- Influenza
- Adenovirus
c. Adenovirus
RSV and influenza present more seasonally
Which pathogens have reduced sensitivity in multiplex testing?
Adenovirus
Bordetella pertussis
Is viral culture used clinically for diagnosis?
Why or why not?
Used to be the gold standard, but is not longer recommended as a primary method for respiratory virus diagnostic testing
It takes too long to inform clinical management
Lateral flow immunoassay and DFA are examples of what kind of diagnostic method?
Rapid antigen detection
What is the threshold for a positive PPD-skin test (TST) in the United States?
Depends on pre-test probability
The following induration diameters qualify as positive:
- ≥ 5 mm
- If the patient has HIV and is immunosuppressed
- If the patient has had close contact with a known TB patient
- ≥ 10 mm
- If TB exposure is suspected
- If the patient is a resident of a TB-endemic area
- ≥ 15 mm
- If the patient has no known risk factors
What are the recommendations for latent TB testing?
- IGRA is preferred but TST is acceptable
- Except for immigration screening: TST is no longer used
What are the limitations of molecular assays (PCR)?
- Higher cost
- Require specific target ordering
- For single target assays
- Cannot provide info about organism viability
- => Cannot test to see if the patient is cured