Final answer:
Latent TB refers to a condition where a person is infected with the tuberculosis (TB) bacteria but does not show any symptoms and is not contagious. Treatment for latent TB usually involves medication to prevent the bacteria from becoming active.
Step-by-step explanation:
Latent TB
Latent TB refers to a condition where a person is infected with the tuberculosis (TB) bacteria but does not show any symptoms and is not contagious. It occurs when the immune system is able to control the bacteria and prevent them from causing active disease. People with latent TB have a positive reaction to the tuberculin skin test but do not have any chest abnormalities on an X-ray.
Features of Latent TB
- No symptoms
- Positive tuberculin skin test
- Negative chest X-ray
Treatment for Latent TB
People with latent TB are usually treated with medication to prevent the bacteria from becoming active. The most commonly used medication is isoniazid, taken daily for 9 months. Other medications may be used for people who cannot take isoniazid or have drug-resistant TB.