Jump to
Latent tuberculosis infection
A latent (inactive) tuberculosis (TB) infection is the presence of TB bacteria in a person's lungs even though they do not have symptoms of TB (such as coughing, weight loss, fatigue, or fever).
A person with latent tuberculosis infection has no signs of active TB on a chest X-ray, and no TB-causing bacteria can be found in the mucus from the person's lungs (sputum). The only proof that the person has a TB infection is a positive TB skin test or TB blood test (interferon-gamma release assay or IGRA).
People who have a latent TB infection do not spread the disease to other people. They may need to take medicine to prevent the bacteria from becoming active in the future.
©2011-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated
The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.