Questions about Latent TB

What is tuberculosis (TB)?

  • Tuberculosis (also called TB) is a bacteria that can live in the human body (especially in the lungs).
  • TB is common in the world, especially in Central & South America, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Asia. Most cases are “sleeping” or latent. The estimate is that 20-25% of the world population has latent TB. If TB activates it can cause problems (coughing, fevers, weight loss) and death.
  • Most people who have latent TB are not aware of it and are surprised on testing.

How is it transmitted? How do people catch TB?

  • TB is spread through the air – coming from people with active TB coughing, spitting, or sneezing. 
  • People with latent TB do not spread the TB bacteria. 

What are the symptoms of TB?

  • The symptoms of active TB include – cough more than 2 weeks, night-sweats, fevers, weight loss, and swelling at the neck, armpits, or groin. 

What is the difference between active TB and latent TB?

  • In active TB, the bacteria is active and causing problems – most commonly in the lungs.
  • In latent TB, the bacteria is “contained” by the body’s defenses (immune system). Most people who test positive for TB actually have latent TB. As long as there are no symptoms, people usually have no problems.
  • 1 of 10 latent TB cases will re-activate, causing symptoms and, if untreated, possibly death. When it re-activates, it can then also spread to family and friends through the air. 

What can I do to get rid of latent TB?

  • Anybody with latent TB can talk to their doctor and get treatment to kill the bacteria in their body. The treatment usually lasts around 4 months and can reduce the chance of activation by up to 90%. The medications are not expensive and can be prescribed by the primary care or family doctor.
  • Treatment is especially recommended for people at higher risk of re-activation – such as people who work in healthcare, patients with weakened immune systems (immunocompromised), cancer or HIV patients, and patients with chronic health conditions (like diabetes, kidney disease).

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