Quiescent Tuberculosis

Overview of Quiescent Tuberculosis

Quiescent Tuberculosis, also known as Latent Tuberculosis Infection (LTBI), is a form of tuberculosis where a person is infected with the tuberculosis bacteria but does not show any symptoms and cannot spread the disease to others. It differs from active TB, which causes illness and is contagious. Although people with quiescent or latent TB appear healthy, the bacteria remain in their bodies in an inactive state and can become active later in life, especially if the immune system weakens. Detecting and treating latent TB is crucial to prevent future outbreaks of active TB disease.

Types of Quiescent Tuberculosis

1. Latent Tuberculosis: The TB bacteria are present but inactive. No symptoms, not contagious.

2. Active Tuberculosis: The bacteria are multiplying, causing illness. This form is contagious.

3. Pulmonary TB: Affects the lungs and is the most common and infectious type.

4. Extrapulmonary TB: Affects other body parts like lymph nodes, bones, kidneys, or brain.

5. Miliary TB: A rare, severe form where bacteria spread throughout the body by the bloodstream.

6. Drug-resistant TB: Caused by bacteria resistant to standard TB medications.

Symptoms of Quiescent Tuberculosis

No cough, fever or chest pain

No weight loss or fatigue

Normal chest X-ray and physical exam

Positive TB skin test or blood test only

Can live without symptoms for years unless activated

Causes of Quiescent Tuberculosis

Infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria

Inhalation of droplets from a person with active TB

Close contact with someone having contagious pulmonary TB

Weakened immune system allowing dormant bacteria to activate

Living in crowded or poorly ventilated areas

History of untreated or incomplete TB treatment

Complications in Quiescent Tuberculosis

Can turn into active TB if not treated

Increased risk in people with weak immune systems (HIV, cancer, diabetes)

May affect lungs, bones, kidneys, brain or lymph nodes if reactivated

Potential public health risk if it becomes active and spreads

Missed diagnosis can delay early prevention

Risk Factors of Quiescent Tuberculosis

Living with someone who has active TB

Weakened immune system or chronic illness

HIV infection or organ transplant

Long-term use of immunosuppressive drugs

Malnutrition or poor general health

Healthcare workers in TB-endemic areas

People from countries with high TB prevalence

Homelessness, incarceration or substance abuse history

Preventions of Quiescent Tuberculosis

Regular TB screening for high-risk individuals

Prompt treatment of latent TB to prevent activation

Ensuring good ventilation in living and working spaces

Using protective masks in TB-prone settings

BCG vaccination in countries with high TB rates

Avoiding close contact with active TB patients

Strengthening immune health through proper nutrition

Education on TB symptoms and transmission