Enzyme-linked immunospot assay combined with serum latex agglutination test for diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis and concomitant pulmonary cryptococcosis

Objective To evaluate the value of enzyme-linked immunospot assay(TB ELISPOT) combined with serum latex agglutination test(LA) for diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis plus pulmonary cryptococcosis.Methods Serum and biopsy specimens of 76 patients,who were suspected of pulmonary tuberculosis and/or pulmonary cryptococcosis based on clinical and imaging features,were collected from March 2006 to September 2008 in Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center.TB ELISPOT assay. LA and histopathological examination were performed in all the patients.Results Histopathological and pathogenic examination confirmed pulmonary cryptococcosis in 15 cases and pulmonary tuberculosis in 22 cases,pulmonary tuberculosis plus pulmonary cryptococcosis in 8 cases.The sensitivity and specificity of TB ELISPOT were 91%and 94.4%.The sensitivity and specificity of LA were both 100%.TB ELISPOT assay and LA test were both positive in the 8 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis plus pulmonary cryptococcosis.Conclusions The value of enzyme-linked immunospot assay combined with serum latex agglutination test is high for diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis plus pulmonary cryptococcosis.