Repurposing QuantiFERON for Detection of Neutralizing Interferon-γ Autoantibodies in Patients With Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infections

Clin Infect Dis. 2017 Aug 1;65(3):518-521. doi: 10.1093/cid/cix372.

Abstract

Nontuberculous mycobacterial infections due to autoantibodies targeting interferon-γ are an emerging medical problem. However, case finding is hampered due to highly complex diagnostic procedures not available in routine laboratories. We show that QuantiFERON assays can be exploited as a simple screening tool that may facilitate adequate and timely treatment.

Keywords: IFN-γ; QuantiFERON; autoantibody; neutralizing antibody; nontuberculous mycobacteria.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Neutralizing / blood*
  • Antibodies, Neutralizing / immunology
  • Autoantibodies / blood*
  • Autoantibodies / immunology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interferon-gamma / immunology*
  • Interferon-gamma Release Tests / methods*
  • Middle Aged
  • Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous* / diagnosis
  • Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous* / immunology
  • Nontuberculous Mycobacteria

Substances

  • Antibodies, Neutralizing
  • Autoantibodies
  • Interferon-gamma