The ability to identify individuals
who are truly infected with M. tuberculosis and who are at risk for disease will tremendously simplify the process of tuberculosis elimination in the United States.
- Institute of Medicine

Geiter L, "Ending Neglect:  The elimination of Tuberculosis in the United States", 1st ed., Washington DC:  National Academy Press 2000.

Active TB Disease and Latent TB Infection

Active TB Disease

Latent TB Infection

Signs and symptoms

Cough, weight loss, chills, fever, night sweats, coughing up blood

No signs or symptoms

 

Can be spread
to others

Yes

No

Antibiotic
treatment

Yes, to treat
active disease

Yes, to prevent
active disease