Conversion or Reversion of Interferon γ Release Assays for Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Interferon γ release assays (IGRAs) are widely used for diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection. However, with repeated testing, IGRA transformation (conversion or reversion) may be detected and is challenging to interpret. We reviewed the frequency of and risk factors for IGRA transformation.

Citation:
Wang MS, Li-Hunnam J, Chen YL, Gilmour B, Alene KA, Zhang YA, Nicol MP. Conversion or Reversion of Interferon γ Release Assays for Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Clin Infect Dis. 2025;80(1):168-79.

Keywords:
Conversion; frequency; interferon γ release assay; interval; reversion

Abstract:
Interferon γ release assays (IGRAs) are widely used for diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection. However, with repeated testing, IGRA transformation (conversion or reversion) may be detected and is challenging to interpret. We reviewed the frequency of and risk factors for IGRA transformation.