Which of the following organism is identified by interferon: (A) Staphylococcus, (B) Leptospira, (C) Campylobacter, (D) Tuberculosis
Answer is D. Interferon-gamma release assay: This test uses Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigen CFP10 which reacts with T-lymphocytes of the patient to release gamma interferon. This test is not very specific for pulmonary tuberculosis, hence is not recommended any longer. Ref: Textbook of microbiology; Ananthanarayan and paniker's; 10th edition; Pg: 360