(In the United States, PPD is available as Aplisol or Tubersol.) Avoid the former practice of "control" or
anergy testing with mumps or Candida antigens because this is rarely helpful in making TB treatment decisions, even in HIV-positive patients.
Tuberculin and
anergy testing in HIVseropositive and HIV-seronegative persons.
The dialysis program pharmacist was instrumental in researching and recommending dosage regimens for the skin and anergy testing. The public health nurse involved in the prevention and control of TB for the local health unit was also invited to help with the educational component of the project.
For this reason, anergy testing is also recommended (Janis et al., 1996; Maher, Kelly, Hughes, & Clancy, 1992; Pesanti, 1994; Smirnoff, Patt, Seckler, & Adler, 1998; Styrt & Villarino, 1997; Webster et al., 1995).
Anergy testing is a diagnostic procedure used to obtain information regarding the competence of the cellular immune system.
Therefore, the use of anergy testing in conjunction with PPD testing is no longer recommended routinely for screening programs for M.
CDC has used both the results of discussions at this meeting and a review of published literature to prepare this updated report, which provides recommendations concerning the use of anergy testing for HIV-Infected persons in the United States.
The results from supplemental anergy testing, in conjunction with PPD-tuberculin skin testing, have been interpreted in two ways (10).
The decision of whether to perform anergy testing cannot be separated from determining how to perform it.
Serial anergy testing among HIV-Infected persons has shown unpredictable differences over time (24,38).
Guidelines for
anergy testing in HIV-infected persons are being developed.
CDC will be developing more specific recommendations on
anergy testing and the administration of preventive therapy for immunosuppressed persons.