What is a latent tuberculosis (TB) infection?
ANSWER
With a latent infection, you have the TB bacteria, but you don't feel sick and you have no symptoms. You can't spread TB to anyone else. The only sign that you have a TB infection is a positive TB skin test or blood test.
About 5% to 10% of people who have a latent TB infection will eventually get TB disease. Your chance of it depends on your medical history.
From: How Do I Know If I Have Tuberculosis? WebMD Medical Reference
Reviewed by Minesh Khatri on September 14, 2017
SOURCES:
Mayo Clinic: "Tuberculosis - Diagnosis."
CDC: "Testing for TB Infection," "Diagnosis of Tuberculosis Disease," "The Difference Between Latent TB Infection and TB Disease."
UpToDate: "Patient education: Tuberculosis (Beyond the Basics)."
National Jewish Health: "Tuberculosis: Diagnosis."
American Lung Association: "Diagnosing and Treating Tuberculosis."
SOURCES:
Mayo Clinic: "Tuberculosis - Diagnosis."
CDC: "Testing for TB Infection," "Diagnosis of Tuberculosis Disease," "The Difference Between Latent TB Infection and TB Disease."
UpToDate: "Patient education: Tuberculosis (Beyond the Basics)."
National Jewish Health: "Tuberculosis: Diagnosis."
American Lung Association: "Diagnosing and Treating Tuberculosis."
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the WebMD Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information.