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latent tuberculosis infection

a latent (inactive) tuberculosis (tb) infection is the presence of tb bacteria in a person's lungs even though they do not have symptoms of tb (such as coughing, weight loss, fatigue, or fever).

a person with latent tuberculosis infection has no signs of active tb on a chest x-ray, and no tb-causing bacteria can be found in the mucus from the person's lungs (sputum). the only proof that the person has a tb infection is a positive tb skin test or tb blood test (interferon-gamma release assay or igra).

people who have a latent tb infection do not spread the disease to other people. they may need to take medicine to prevent the bacteria from becoming active in the future.

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this information does not replace the advice of a doctor. healthwise, incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. your use of this information means that you agree to the terms of use and privacy policy. to learn more about healthwise, visit healthwise.org. © 1995-2022 healthwise, incorporated. healthwise, healthwise for every health decision, and the healthwise logo are trademarks of healthwise, incorporated.

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