Distinguishing TB Disease From Latent Infection

Learn about the difference between the two illnesses and the progression of them too.

Testing for Immune Response to M. Tuberculosis

Prior to the development of interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA), the tuberculin skin test (TST) was the only test available for identifying an immune response to infection with tuberculosis.

Suspecting Active Disease

Because the incidence of active disease is low in the United States, diagnosis may be delayed as it is not in the differential diagnosis.

Risk Factors for TB

Learn about the risk factors known for exposure and progression to TB active disease.

Signs & Symptoms

Review signs and symptoms from Latent Tuberculosis Infection: A Guide for Primary Health Care Providers (2013)-Table 1.

Preventing Transmission

Latent tuberculosis is not contagious, and extrapulmonary tuberculosis is not contagious, unless the infectious material is mechanically aerosolized (e.g., use of bone saws with tuberculous bone disease.)

Treating Latent Infection to Prevent Disease

Treatment of latent TB infection reduces the risk of progression to active tuberculosis disease.

Role of the Community

Treatment of uncomplicated LTBI is often done by primary care and other clinicians. In our community, WWU Student Health Center has been screening and treating its students with LTBI for several years.

Legal Issues: Isolation & Compliance

Clinicians in Washington State are legally required to report suspected or confirmed cases of active tuberculosis to their local health department.

Administrative Testing for TB Infection

Some testing for tuberculosis infection is currently legally required even when not indicated according to the targeted testing and treatment guidelines.

References

Review various references for TB information for health care providers.

Resources for Providers