IP-10 responses according to TST, QFT and microbiological tests results
Assuming that Mtb.-infected children constitute a heterogenous group of patients in terms of TST, QFT, and microbiological confirmation, we compared children with different test results configuration for IP-10 expression. We found significant differences within LTBI group with higher IP-10 levels in children with TST+QFT+ LTBI than in those with discordant TST and QFT results (TST-QFT+ and TST+QFT-; p = 0.009 and p < 0.0001, respectively). No differences were observed between children with discordance (p > 0.05). In ATB group, there were no differences in IP-10 levels between children with and without microbiological confirmation, or with and without positive culture result (p = 0.79 and p = 0.53, respectively).