Mycobacterial Diseases
Open Access

Understanding Latent Tuberculosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Megha Sharma^{* *}Correspondence: Megha Sharma, Department of Surgery, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Michigan, USA, Email:

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Description

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. There are two types of TB: Latent TB infection and active TB disease. Latent TB infection occurs when a person has been infected with the bacteria that cause TB but does not have any symptoms of the disease. The bacteria are present in the body but are inactive and do not cause any harm. However, people with latent TB infection are at risk of developing active TB disease in the future.

Symptoms of latent TB infection

Most people with latent TB infection do not have any symptoms. In some cases:

• A cough that lasts for more than three weeks

• Chest pain

• Fatigue

• Loss of appetite

• Night sweats

• Fever

• Chills

• Weight loss

These symptoms are similar to those of active TB disease. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see a healthcare provider for evaluation.

Diagnosis of latent TB infection

Diagnosing latent TB infection can be challenging because there are no symptoms. The most common way to diagnose latent TB infection is through a skin test called the tuberculin skin test or the Mantoux test. During the test, a small amount of fluid called tuberculin is injected into the skin on the inside of the forearm. If there is a raised bump or reaction at the injection site, it means that the person has been infected with the bacteria that cause TB. Blood tests are also available to detect latent TB infection, but they are not as widely used as the skin test.

Treatment of latent TB infection

The treatment of latent TB infection is essential to prevent the development of active TB disease. The most common treatment is a course of antibiotics taken for several months. The antibiotics used may include isoniazid, rifampin, or a combination of the two. Treatment of latent TB infection is recommended for the following groups of people:

• People who have had close contact with someone who has active TB disease.

• People who have had a positive TB skin test or blood test in the past.

• Preventing the spread of TB.

The bacteria that cause TB are spread from person to person through the air. When a person with active TB disease coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings, they release droplets that contain the bacteria into the air. These droplets can be inhaled by other people, who can then become infected with the bacteria.

• Avoid close contact with people who have active TB disease.

• Stay home from work or school if you have active TB disease.

• Take all medications as prescribed if you have active or latent TB infection.

If diagnosed with latent TB infection or active TB disease, it is essential to follow the treatment plan prescribed by healthcare provider to prevent the spread of the bacteria to others

Conclusion

Latent TB infection is a condition where a person has been infected with the bacteria that cause TB but does not have any symptoms of the disease. People with latent TB infection are at risk of developing active TB disease in close contact with people who have active TB disease, and taking all medications as prescribed if you have active or latent TB infection. If you suspect that you may have latent TB infection or have been in close contact with someone who has active TB disease, it is important to see a healthcare provider for evaluation and testing.