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Biological treatments (like anti-TNF-a) are increasingly being used totreat rheumatoid arthritis, dermatological conditions like psoriasis andgastroenterological conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.Patients receiving anti-TNF-a therapy are at a higher risk of developingtuberculosis during treatment than patients with similar diseases notreceiving anti-TNF-a therapy or the general population. Most cases of TBappear due to reactivation of latent TB infection and not new (or de novo)infection, and the Swiss recommendations advocate screening all patients forTB infection prior to initiating anti-TNF-a therapy. In addition to QFT(TM)use, screening should be based on a detailed medical history and a chestx-ray.
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Preventive treatment should be offered to all patients with evidence oflatent tuberculosis infection before starting anti-TNF-a therapy. For patientswith a positive QFT(TM) result, the experts unanimously supported appropriatepreventive drug treatment for TB.
The group of experts (in rheumatology, gastroenterology & pneumology)published the recommendations in the current issue of Swiss Medical Weekly,the official journal of the Swiss Society of Infectious Diseases, the SwissSociety of Internal Medicine and the Swiss Respiratory Society.
About QuantiFERON(R)-TB Gold (QFT(TM)):
QFT(TM)- - a simple blood test -- is the first major advancement in TBdiagnosis since the introduction of the tuberculin skin test (TST) over 100years ago. The QFT(TM) test is based on measurement of a cell mediated immuneresponse in TB-infected individuals. The T cells of these individuals aresensitized to TB, and respond to stimulation with peptides simulating thoseexpressed by the TB causing bacteria, secreting a cytokine called interferon-a. QFT(TM) accurately measures the interferon-a response in a sensitive enzymeassay. QFT(TM) is unaffected by previous BCG vaccination and most othermycobacteria.
Unlike the TST, it requires only one patient visit, is a controlledlaboratory test, and provides an objective, reproducible result that is notsubject to interpretation based on a patient's relative risk factors for TBexposure.
About Cellestis:
Cellestis is a listed Australian biotechnology company commercializingQuantiFERON(R) technology for diagnosing TB and other diseases worldwide. TheCompany operates through subsidiaries in the USA, Europe and Australia.
For more information, visit www.cellestis.com or please contact one of ourlocal spokespersons at:References Swiss Med Wkly 2007; 137:621-622. http://www.smw.ch/docs/pdf200x/2007/43/smw-11939.pdf
SOURCE Cellestis International
