Question

Latent tuberculosis infection.

Hint:

It's essential to treat latent tuberculosis infection to prevent the development of active tuberculosis, which is contagious and more difficult to treat.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding Latent Tuberculosis Infection.
Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) occurs when a person is infected with *Mycobacterium tuberculosis* but does not show active symptoms. The bacteria remain dormant in the body. This condition is not contagious, but if the immune system weakens, it may progress to active tuberculosis.

Step 2: Identifying Risk Factors.
Risk factors for LTBI include close contact with a person having active tuberculosis, immunocompromised states (e.g., HIV, diabetes), and living in or traveling to regions with a high prevalence of TB.

Step 3: Diagnosis and Treatment.
Diagnosis is typically done using a tuberculin skin test (TST) or interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs). LTBI treatment involves administering antibiotics such as isoniazid or rifampin to prevent progression to active tuberculosis.