Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis ( 23 Questions)
"Interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA)" This statement is correct. The Interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) is more specific than the tuberculin skin test (TST) in detecting TB infection. It measures the release of interferon-gamma in response to TB antigens and does not cross-react with other mycobacteria or the BCG vaccine.
"Sputum smear microscopy." Sputum smear microscopy is a diagnostic test used to identify acid-fast bacilli (AFB) in sputum samples. While it is essential for diagnosing active pulmonary TB, it is not more specific than the IGRA for detecting TB infection.
"Chest x-ray." Chest X-ray is a valuable diagnostic tool to identify pulmonary abnormalities associated with TB infection, such as infiltrates and cavities. However, it is not more specific than the IGRA in detecting TB infection.
"Sputum culture." Sputum culture is a gold standard diagnostic test for confirming active TB disease and identifying the specific strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While it is highly sensitive and specific for diagnosing active TB, it is not more specific than the IGRA for detecting TB infection.
Choice A rationale:
"Interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA)" This statement is correct. The Interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) is more specific than the tuberculin skin test (TST) in detecting TB infection. It measures the release of interferon-gamma in response to TB antigens and does not cross-react with other mycobacteria or the BCG vaccine.
Choice B rationale:
"Sputum smear microscopy." Sputum smear microscopy is a diagnostic test used to identify acid-fast bacilli (AFB) in sputum samples. While it is essential for diagnosing active pulmonary TB, it is not more specific than the IGRA for detecting TB infection.
Choice C rationale:
"Chest x-ray." Chest X-ray is a valuable diagnostic tool to identify pulmonary abnormalities associated with TB infection, such as infiltrates and cavities. However, it is not more specific than the IGRA in detecting TB infection.
Choice D rationale:
"Sputum culture." Sputum culture is a gold standard diagnostic test for confirming active TB disease and identifying the specific strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While it is highly sensitive and specific for diagnosing active TB, it is not more specific than the IGRA for detecting TB infection.