Latent tuberculosis (TB) is a condition where a person is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that causes TB, but does not have active tuberculosis. Here are some key points about latent TB:
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Infection: A person with latent TB is infected with the bacteria but does not have TB disease. The bacteria are present in the body but are inactive and cannot spread to others.
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Symptoms: Individuals with latent TB do not feel sick and do not have any symptoms of TB. They typically have a positive reaction to the tuberculin skin test or TB blood test.
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Contagiousness: People with latent TB infection cannot spread TB bacteria to others.
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Risk of Progression: Latent TB can convert to active TB in 10% of cases, or more in cases of immune-compromised patients. However, many people with latent TB infection never develop TB disease.
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Treatment: Taking medication for latent TB infection is recommended to prevent the latent TB germs from becoming active and causing TB disease. The standard treatment in the U.S. is nine months of isoniazid, but other medications may be used in different regions or for specific cases, such as multidrug-resistant TB.
Its important to note that latent TB infection is a significant concern for public health, as individuals with latent TB can potentially develop active TB disease, especially if they have compromised immune systems or other risk factors.
