Is latent TB the same as dormant TB?
Many people who have latent TB infection never develop TB disease. In these people, the TB bacteria remain inactive for a lifetime without causing disease. But in other people, especially people who have a weak immune system, the bacteria become active, multiply, and cause TB disease.
How can you tell the difference between latent and active TB?
Persons with latent TB infection are not infectious and cannot spread TB infection to others.
- Usually has a skin test or blood test result indicating TB infection.
- Has a normal chest x-ray and a negative sputum test.
- Has TB bacteria in his/her body that are alive, but inactive.
- Does not feel sick,
What is the difference between latent tuberculosis TB and active TB?
People with latent TB do not have any symptoms and cannot spread TB. If they do not get treatment, however, they may develop active TB disease in the future, spread the disease to others, and feel quite ill. People with active TB disease can be treated and cured if they get medical help.
How do you get dormant TB?
Latent TB occurs when a person has the TB bacteria within their body, but the bacteria are present in very small numbers. They are kept under control by the body’s immune system and do not cause any symptoms. Latent TB is one of the two types of TB.
Can you ever get rid of latent TB?
Treatment is the only way to remove the TB bacteria from your body. Latent TB treatment is often shorter than treatment for active TB, and it involves less medication. These are all good reasons to treat the latent TB bacteria while you are healthy and before they have a chance to wake up.
How common is latent TB?
In the United States, up to 13 million people may have latent TB infection. Without treatment, on average 1 in 10 people with latent TB infection will get sick with TB disease in the future. The risk is higher for people with HIV, diabetes, or other conditions that affect the immune system.
Is there a difference between latent TB and TB disease?
However, not everyone infected with TB bacteria becomes sick. As a result, two TB-related conditions exist: latent TB infection and TB disease. What is Latent TB Infection? Persons with latent TB infection do not feel sick and do not have any symptoms. They are infected with M. tuberculosis, but do not have TB disease.
How long does TB stay dormant in the body?
TB germs are dormant (asleep) in your body. This phase can last for a very long time – even decades. TB germs are reproducing and spreading in your body, causing tissue damage. You don’t look or feel sick. Your chest X-ray usually is normal.
What’s the difference between LTBI and active TB?
The Difference Between Latent TB Infection and Active TB Disease. It explains what is meant by LTBI, and, that although persons with LTBI cannot spread the disease, if left untreated, they can develop active TB in the future. The information sheet also describes active TB disease, its symptoms, and the need for treatment.
What can you do about a latent TB infection?
If a latent infection is discovered, treatment is recommended in certain individuals at high risk to prevent that person from developing active disease and to prevent the further spread of tuberculosis. People at high risk of TB infection (such as those who work in hospitals) may be screened, sometimes annually, for latent infection.