Difference between Latent Tubeculosis Infection & Tuberculosis Disease
Latent Tuberculosis Infection (LTBI) and Tuberculosis (TB) Disease are two stages of the same disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. However, there are some key differences between the two:
1. Infection vs Disease: LTBI refers to a stage in which a person has been infected with the bacteria but does not have any symptoms or signs of active disease. TB Disease, on the other hand, refers to a stage in which the bacteria actively multiply in the body and cause symptoms.
2. Transmission: People with LTBI do not transmit the infection to others, whereas those with TB Disease can spread the bacteria through coughing, sneezing, or talking, putting others at risk of getting infected.
3. Symptoms: LTBI is asymptomatic, meaning there are no symptoms present. TB Disease, on the other hand, causes symptoms such as persistent cough, fatigue, weight loss, fever, night sweats, and chest pain.
4. Progression of the disease: In most cases, LTBI remains dormant, with the bacteria being held in check by the person's immune system. However, in some cases, LTBI can progress to TB Disease, especially if the person's immune system becomes compromised, such as due to HIV infection or certain medications.
5. Testing: LTBI is usually diagnosed through a tuberculin skin test (TST) or an interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA), which detects the presence of the bacteria in the body. TB Disease is diagnosed through a combination of clinical evaluation, chest X-ray, sputum tests, and sometimes biopsy.
6. Treatment: LTBI is typically treated with a course of antibiotics to prevent the bacteria from becoming active and causing TB Disease. TB Disease requires a longer course of treatment with multiple antibiotics to cure the infection.
It is important to note that LTBI is a risk factor for developing TB Disease in the future, so prompt diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the progression of the disease.