Abstract
Purpose: :
To evaluate the utility of QFT-G test, a recently FDA approved test for use as an aid in diagnosing latent and active mycobacterium tuberculosis(MTB), in the evaluation of patients with active uveitis..
Methods: :
Retrospective medical record review of the results of QFT-G testing from a single center uveitis practice.
Results: :
QFT-G testing was performed on 36 patients presenting to the Uveitis Service. Seven patients (19.5%) had a positive test(>0.35 IU/ml), with one of the seven initially having an indeterminate result which was positive on repeat testing. 4 of the patients were men. Diagnosis included chronic anterior uveits (AU) (2), recurrent bilateral AU (1) unilaterial vitritis (2), bilateral vitritis (1), neuroretinitis (1). In all patients, the work up for other definitive etiologies of uveitis were negative. Five of 7 patients (71%) were immigrants to the U.S. from endemic areas with an average age of 45.8.Three of these patients had previous negative PPD by history. The 2 patients born in the US had an average age of 76.7. Three patients completed 4 drug therapy and either improved or had complete resolution of inflammation. 2 other patients were undergoing treatment.
Conclusions: :
The QFT-G test is a useful adjunct in the evaluation of uveitis patients from endemic areas for MTB, as well as elderly US born residents.
Keywords: bacterial disease • uveitis-clinical/animal model