Pathogenesis of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI): Not everyone infected with TB bacteria develops illness. In LTBI, an immune response is indeed triggered within the body - usually within 2-8 weeks post-exposure. In these individuals, the TB bacteria are killed, contained, or encapsulated. (Sometimes, the body's containment barrier presents as a granuloma in the lung.) This silent or dormant state may also be considered a 'carrier state' of M. tuberculosis infection. It is very important to identify and treat or manage individuals with LTBI to prevent active disease from occurring.
Symptoms: None
Lab and radiology results: TB skin test or blood test are usually positive, and individual may have normal chest x-ray, or an abnormal chest x-ray showing healed lesions or granuloma(s). AFB sputum smear or culture are negative.
