Public call for data on diagnostic accuracy of newer skin-based tests based on specific M. tuberculosis antigens
12 August 2021, Geneva | Currently the most widely used diagnostic tests for TB infection are the tuberculin skin test (TST) and interferon gamma release assays (IGRA). However, both classes of tests have limitations. Newer skin-based tests based on specific M. tuberculosis antigens (ESAT-6, CFP-10 and others) have been developed, these combine the simpler skin-test platform with the specificity of IGRA. Emerging evidence suggests that compared to IGRA, the tests may have similar specificity and provide more reliable results in children and in HIV-infected cohorts. However, the evidence has not been systematically reviewed.
To enable this process, WHO is issuing a public call for data,
appealing to industry, researchers, national TB programmes and
other agencies to provide suitable evidence for the performance
of these technologies. The obtained data will be essential to
facilitate the process of WHO policy updates.
Please send relevant data by
3 September 2021, to
[email protected]
For more information on the parameters of the datasets,
variables, and the process see
Annex 1: Data requirements.
Source:
World Health Organization
