Evaluation of the Diagnostic Accuracy of the Tuberculin Skin Test

Abstract:  Infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is the leading cause of death in the world from a bacterial infectious disease. The disease affects 1.8 billion people/year which is equal to one-third of the entire world population. The Tuberculin Sensitivity Test (TST) provides an important screening tool for evaluating potential infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, but is not a definitive diagnostic test. Although the TST is expected to yield a larger induration among subjects exposed to an active TB case, the TST cross-reacts with non-virulent mycobacteria and may affect the diagnostic accuracy of the test. Infection with non-virulent mycobacteria is common in southern states in the U.S. The objective of this talk is to describe simple methods for evaluating the prevalence of infection of MTB and to estimate sensitivity, specificity, and the positive and negative predictive value of the TST although infection with MTB is not known. Data from 966,434 white males who were administered the TST upon induction into the U.S. Navy between 1935 and 1969 are used for the evaluation.

Refreshments and socializing: 3:00 - 3:30 PM