What is epidemiology?
Epidemiology encompasses the incidence, distribution, and burden of disease and possible control of disease and risk factors in populations.
The following pages provide current statistical information about LTBI and active TB disease in the US and the global population. In addition, the increased risk to those individuals infected with HIV is presented.
Why is it important?
Over the past several decades, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have prioritized the prevention and control of tuberculosis. It will become evident that the burden of TB infection remains high, and the risk of progression to active TB disease threatens the lives of many people. Testing for TB infection is an integral part of the strategy to prevent TB disease.
