Treating latent TB infection prevents TB disease.
For several decades, the United States (with the help of the CDC) has promoted TB prevention and control by treating individuals with LTBI.
Recommended treatment regimens for LTBI are based on the drug susceptibility results of the source case, any coexisting medical conditions, and the potential for drug-drug interactions. A shorter regimen is preferred in order to achieve treatment compliance, but as mentioned - the regimen chosen depends on several factors. Note that treatment is modified if the patient is known to have been in contact with drug-resistant TB.
Drug(s) most commonly used for treating LTBI include:
- Isoniazid (INH)
- Rifampin (RIF)
- Rifapentine (RPT)
11. CDC. Evaluation of Persons with Positive TB Test Results. Slide #51 from Targeted Tuberculosis (TB) Testing and Treatment of Latent TB Infection – Download complete slide set - the slide set is in the public domain. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention site. September 2016. Accessed March 17, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/tb/publications/slidesets/ltbi/default.htm
