Diagnostic value of interferon-γ release assay in patients with COPD complicated with pulmonary tuberculosis

In patients with COPD complicated with active pulmonary tuberculosis, the percentage of patients who were positive according to the interferon-γ release assay was higher than that according to the sputum smear microscopy, PCR detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in sputum specimen, and detection of anti-tuberculosis antibodies. COPD-related complications did not affect the T-SPOT; the greater the T-SPOT value was, the greater the likelihood of active TB. For patients who are T-SPOT positive but clinically considered to have inactive tuberculosis, regular follow-ups should be performed to observe changes in the patient's condition.