Comparison of T-SPOT TB and Tuberculin Skin Test in Children with Tuberculosis of Intrathoracic Lymph Nodes

TB (Tuberculosis) of intrathoracic lymph nodes is the most common form of tuberculosis disease in childhood. In Bulgaria, about 67%-70% of all newly diagnosed children patients are with this diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic capabilities of the T-SPOT TB in this form of TB disease. In a period of one year, 50 children aged 0-12 years treated in our hospital with tuberculosis of lung lymph nodes were examined. The diagnosis was set based on history, clinical, microbiological and radiological check. T-SPOT TB (ELISPOT TB test) and the TST (tuberculin skin test) were performed simultaneously on the studied children. The relationship between immunological samples TST and T-SPOT TB (presence of BCG vaccination and contact with adult TB patient). One child had TST negative samples, 32% had normergic reactions to 15mm. 66% had hyperergic above 15mm. In a study with T-SPOT TB, 28% showed negative results and 72% showed positive.