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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,National Center for HIV STD and TB Prevention,Division of Tuberculosis Elimination

The Difference Between Latent TB Infection and Active TB Disease

This information sheet discusses tuberculosis (TB) and the difference between the two TB-related conditions: latent TB infection (LTBI) and TB disease. It explains what is meant by LTBI, and, that although persons with LTBI cannot spread the disease, if left untreated, they can develop active TB in the future. The information sheet also describes active TB disease, its symptoms, and the need for treatment.

TB Elimination: Diagnosis of Tuberculosis Disease

This information sheet discusses the steps taken to diagnose TB disease. It describes the symptoms of TB and explains how an individual suspected of having TB is evaluated using the following: medical history, physical examination, skin test or special TB blood test, chest radiograph, microbiological tests, and finally tests for drug resistance.

TB Elimination: BCG Vaccine

This information sheet discusses the bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine for TB disease, which is used in many countries to prevent childhood tuberculous meningitis and miliary disease. It explains why the BCG is not generally recommended for use in the United States; suggests that the BCG should be considered under specific circumstances; and provides recommendations for when the BCG should be used with children and health care workers and contraindications when it should not be used, such as for immunosuppressed persons and pregnant women.

Tuberculosis: Get the Facts

Using a question-and-answer format, this pamphlet provides general information about TB, including transmission, symptoms, and the difference between TB infection and disease. The pamphlet explains both a blood and skin test, the procedures that are followed if the test result is negative or positive, and treatment for both TB infection and TB disease.

Tuberculosis (TB) Facts - You Can Prevent TB

Using a question and answer format, this fact sheet provides general information on TB prevention. It discusses TB transmission, infection, disease, diagnosis through a skin test or a special TB blood test, and treatment. It explains that TB is spread by germs that are in the air after someone with TB disease sneezes, coughs, speaks, laughs, or sings. TB germs can live in the body without making the individual sick. This is called latent TB infection. If the germs become active, they cause TB disease. An individual who has been exposed to TB germs will be given a TB skin test.

Tuberculosis (TB) Facts: TB and HIV/AIDS

This fact sheet discusses TB and how it is affected by the HIV. It defines TB and explains the difference between TB infection and latent TB infection. The fact sheet advises that HIV weakens the immune system increasing the chance that in people with HIV and latent TB, the TB germs will become active and attack the body causing TB disease. It emphasizes the importance of TB treatment and taking the TB drugs as prescribed.

Tuberculosis (TB) Facts - TB Can Be Treated

This fact sheet presents basic facts about TB. It explains the difference between latent TB infection (LTBI) and TB disease, TB transmission, symptoms of TB disease, skin testing procedures, the TB blood test, the chest X-ray, and the sputum test. The information sheet also discusses the medical treatments available for TB, including preventive treatment for persons with LTBI. It emphasizes the importance of finishing all TB medicine and taking the drugs exactly as prescribed to prevent the TB germs from reappearing and becoming resistant to the drugs.

Questions and Answers About Tuberculosis

This booklet provides information on the diagnosis and treatment of TB infection and TB disease. Key audiences for this resource are people with or at risk for TB; people who may have been exposed to someone with TB; people who provide services for those at high risk for TB, such as correctional officers, homeless shelter workers, and emergency responders; and people who want to learn more about tuberculosis.