Latent Tuberculosis (TB) - The Silent Invader

What is latent tuberculosis and how does it differ from active TB?

1) Latent TB is also known as:

a) TB disease

b) Active TB

c) TB infection

d) Primary TB

Answer:

Latent TB, also known as Tuberculosis Infection, is a condition where the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria is present but is not actively replicating or causing symptoms. It remains dormant but can reactivate during times of stress and immunosuppression. This form of TB is different from Active TB (TB disease) and Primary TB.

Understanding Latent Tuberculosis (TB)

Latent TB, also known as Tuberculosis Infection, is a state where the Mycobacterium tuberculosis pathogen is present in the body but is not actively replicating or causing symptoms. This state is similar to other diseases that go into a latent phase after the acute infection, such as herpes, chickenpox, and mononucleosis. During this phase, the pathogen can reactivate to become an active infection during times of stress and immunosuppression, similar to how a virus may reactivate after a prolonged period of latency.

Active TB, or TB disease, refers to the state where the TB infection is active and symptoms can be observed. Primary TB refers to the initial infection a person may have with the Mycobacterium tuberculosis pathogen, and it typically develops within 2 years of the initial infection.