How is latent TB infection treated?
Latent TB infection is treated with isoniazid, which is one of the first-line anti-TB drugs. The recommended length of treatment is nine months for adults and children. Shorter courses of treatment with other first-line drugs may be used for special circumstances, such as exposure to someone who has TB that is resistant to isoniazid. Sometimes people are given preventive therapy even if their skin test reaction is not positive. This is often done with infants, children, and HIV-infected people who have recently spent time with someone with infectious TB disease. This is because they are at very high risk of developing TB disease soon after they become infected with TB bacteria. It is important that you take all the pills prescribed for you so that your preventive therapy is effective. If you start taking INH, you will need to see your doctor or nurse on a regular schedule. He or she will check on how you are doing. Very few people have serious side effects to INH.
