Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is an asymptomatic condition that may progress to active tuberculosis (TB), sometimes decades after exposure.
Latent tuberculosis infection is not transmissible.
Latent tuberculosis infection can be treated.
Pilot project to manage LTBI in general practice settings
Since 2018, the Victorian Tuberculosis Program (VTP) and South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (SEMPHN) have collaborated to implement the project 'Tuberculosis Screening, Management and Prevention in General Practice' in the local government areas of Casey and Greater Dandenong.
The project piloted a model for LTBI management that can be effectively used in general practice (GP) settings. People tested for LTBI under this project were found to have high rates of LTBI, and successfully completed treatment without referral to tertiary care centres. A summary of these pilot findings is available from the VTP and project coordinators are available for consultation.
From 2021 to 2023, this program was expanded to include additional GP clinics across the SEMPHN region. This expanded program has drawn on the findings from the pilot project in continuing to overcome barriers to ensure safe and effective community access to LTBI diagnosis and treatment.
Participating GP clinics
Management of latent tuberculosis, including testing and treatment where appropriate, is available through the participating clinics listed below, with support from the VTP.
Contact clinics directly with referrals or requests for appointments.
Want to find out more?
Contact us if your practice is interested in participating in this program. Enrolment is currently limited to practices within the SEMPHN region.
How to manage LTBI in community settings
What is latent tuberculosis, and why is it important to Australia?
This five-part video series provides a short overview of TB and latent TB infection including introducing an algorithm for general practice management. The series is presented by Professor Justin Denholm, Medical Director of the RMH's Victorian Tuberculosis Program at the Doherty Institute.
Aimed at Australian GPs, these videos give them the tools to identify latent TB and safely and effectively prevent active TB in at-risk communities.
Managing latent tuberculosis in the community
A/Prof Justin Denholm, Medical Director of Royal Melbourne Hospital’s Victorian Tuberculosis Program at the Doherty Institute, presents a five-part series aimed at Australian General Practitioners about managing latent tuberculosis (TB) in community settings.
How to diagnosis latent tuberculosis infection
A/Prof Justin Denholm, Medical Director of Royal Melbourne Hospital’s Victorian Tuberculosis Program at the Doherty Institute, presents a five-part series aimed at Australian General Practitioners about managing latent tuberculosis (TB) in community settings.
Initiating treatment for latent tuberculosis
A/Prof Justin Denholm, Medical Director of Royal Melbourne Hospital’s Victorian Tuberculosis Program at the Doherty Institute, presents a five-part series aimed at Australian General Practitioners about managing latent tuberculosis (TB) in community settings.
Follow up and monitoring your patient with latent tuberculosis
A/Prof Justin Denholm, Medical Director of Royal Melbourne Hospital’s Victorian Tuberculosis Program at the Doherty Institute, presents a five-part series aimed at Australian General Practitioners about managing latent tuberculosis (TB) in community settings.
Next steps once LTBI treatment is finished
A/Prof Justin Denholm, Medical Director of Royal Melbourne Hospital’s Victorian Tuberculosis Program at the Doherty Institute, presents a five-part series aimed at Australian General Practitioners about managing latent tuberculosis (TB) in community settings.
Posters
Download and print the following 'Think TB' posters for display in your office or waiting room.