Tuberculosis, Lung Health and Respiratory Diseases

Latent TB Infection and Active TB Disease

Latent TB infection occurs when individuals are infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis but do not show symptoms. They are not infectious and cannot spread the disease. However, without treatment, latent infection can progress to active TB disease, particularly when the immune system weakens. Active TB disease manifests with symptoms and poses a risk of transmission to others.

Latent TB infection (LTBI) occurs when individuals harbor the TB bacteria without symptoms of active disease. LTBI is diagnosed through tuberculin skin tests or blood tests and is not contagious. However, LTBI can progress to active TB disease, especially in those with weakened immune systems. Active TB disease presents with symptoms like cough, fever, and weight loss, and is contagious through respiratory droplets. Diagnosis involves sputum analysis, chest X-rays, and molecular tests. Treatment for LTBI aims to prevent progression to active disease, while active TB disease is treated with a combination of antibiotics for several months to prevent transmission and complications.