Learn about the difference between the two illnesses and the progression of them too.
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.
Because the incidence of active disease is low in the United States, diagnosis may be delayed as it is not in the differential diagnosis.
Learn about the risk factors known for exposure and progression to TB active disease.
Review signs and symptoms from Latent Tuberculosis Infection: A Guide for Primary Health Care Providers (2013)-Table 1.
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.)
Treatment of latent TB infection reduces the risk of progression to active tuberculosis disease.
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.
Clinicians in Washington State are legally required to report suspected or confirmed cases of active tuberculosis to their local health department.
Some testing for tuberculosis infection is currently legally required even when not indicated according to the targeted testing and treatment guidelines.
Review various references for TB information for health care providers.