Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is an asymptomatic condition that may progress to active tuberculosis (TB), sometimes decades after exposure.
Most people with active TB in Australia have not had recent contact with TB infection and were unaware of being infected or their risk of becoming ill.
What is latent tuberculosis?
Not everyone who breathes in Mycobacterium tuberculosis becomes ill. Some people clear the infection and for others the infection is latent.
Latent TB:
- Lives in the body but doesn't grow
- Doesn't cause symptoms or make the person unwell
- Is not infectious
- Can become active TB, even decades after exposure
This video explains what latent TB is, and what testing and treatment might involve. The video is useful for people who are about to have a test for TB, have been diagnosed with latent TB, and helps support people to talk about TB with their doctor.
Dr Kasha Singh from the Royal Melbourne Hospital gives a short overview of what latent tuberculosis is, and what testing and treatment might involve.
Testing for tuberculosis
Testing for TB infection is often suggested by general practice doctors in Australia.
If there is evidence of TB infection on a test, efforts are made to determine whether the infection is active or latent. Those with active TB are referred to specialist doctors.
Treating latent tuberculosis
Because LTBI is asymptomatic, the infection can’t get out of the body. It can still be treated, and the infection cleared.
People tested for TB and found to have LTBI can be treated in general practice and community settings.
Active tuberculosis (TB) is a notifiable disease in Victoria.
All cases must be reported to the Department of Health by the patient’s treating doctor or the testing laboratory within 5 days of diagnosis.