Course: Management of Latent Tuberculosis Infection
CME Credits: 1.00
Released: 2023-01-19
In the US, approximately 13 million people have latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), defined as people who are infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis who do not have symptoms and do not transmit the disease. Without treatment, approximately 5% to 10% of immunocompetent persons with LTBI develop active TB disease in their lifetimes.
In 2016, the US Preventive Services Task Force recommended screening all at-risk adults older than 18 years for LTBI with a blood test (interferon-gamma release assay) or a tuberculin skin test. At-risk individuals include those from TB-endemic regions and those who are immunocompromised or are starting an immunosuppressive medication, such as tumor necrosis factor antagonists or systemic corticosteroids at a dose of at least 15 mg of prednisone per day, or take immunosuppressive drugs after organ transplant. Evaluation for LTBI should include a medical history, physical examination, and chest radiographic imaging to rule out active TB disease. After confirmation that active TB is not present, LTBI treatment can be initiated. This article reviews the 2020 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Tuberculosis Controllers Association LTBI treatment recommendations.
To identify the key insights or developments described in this article
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