Comparison of tests with antigens ESAT6-CFP10 in vivo and in vitro in latent infection and local forms of tuberculosis in children

Study aimed to compare the results of skin test with allergen tuberculosis recombinant (ATR), containing proteins ESAT-6 and CFP-10 and QuantiFERON test (QFT) in children with different forms of tuberculosis infection. The results of test with ATR and QFT coincided with 164 (82.4%) children. Both tests were positive in 140 (70.4%) patients, both tests were negative in 24 (12.0%). The opposite results were obtained in 35 (17.6%) children. The most common combination was ATR -positive/QFT-negative – 23 (11.6%), the less common type was ATR-negative/QFT-positive – 12 (6.0%). It was concluded that test with ATR has advantages in screening children for tuberculosis since it is simpler and cheaper. Additionally, the use of QFT is indicated in difficult diagnostic cases, with a recent infection, in young children, in the presence of immunodeficiency.