Cytokine responses to QuantiFERON registered peptides, purified protein derivative and recombinant ESAT-6 in children with tuberculosis

SETTING: Recent data suggest that interferon-gamma release assays may have reduced sensitivity in children. OBJECTIVE: To explore the cellular responses in children infected with tuberculosis (TB) to different mycobacterial antigens, including the peptides used in the QuantiFERON registered -TB Gold In-Tube (QFT) assay. DESIGN: Cytokines were measured by multiplex analyte detection in supernatants after stimulation with peptides in QFT, purified protein derivative (PPD) and recombinant whole protein ESAT-6. Samples from 11 children with active TB, 46 healthy children with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), and 35 healthy non-infected children were analyzed. RESULTS: None of the cytokines examined in the QFT peptide stimulation assay distinguished between non-infected children and those aged