Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Latent tuberculosis infection

A latent (inactive) tuberculosis (TB) infection is the presence of TB bacteria in a person's lungs even though they do not have symptoms of TB (such as coughing, weight loss, fatigue, or fever).

A person with latent tuberculosis infection has no signs of active TB on a chest X-ray, and no TB-causing bacteria can be found in the mucus from the person's lungs (sputum). The only proof that the person has a TB infection is a positive TB skin test or TB blood test (interferon-gamma release assay or IGRA).

People who have a latent TB infection do not spread the disease to other people. They may need to take medicine to prevent the bacteria from becoming active in the future.

News & Events

View All

Are Acid Reflux and GERD The Same Thing?

Have you ever sat up in bed in a hurry because a sour liquid starting filling your mouth? Maybe you’ve had to throw up in the middle of meals because you can’t swallow your food?