What is a latent Tuberculosis infection? Is it possible for people to have Tuberculosis but not show it?
In most people who breathe in Tuberculosis bacteria and become infected, the body is able to fight the bacteria successfully. The bacteria become inactive, remains alive in the body and can become active later. This is called a latent Tuberculosis infection. People with latent Tuberculosis infection: • have no symptoms. • don’t feel sick. • can’t spread Tuberculosis to others. • usually have a positive skin test reaction. • can develop active Tuberculosis disease, at a later date, if they do not receive treatment for latent Tuberculosis infection. Many people who have latent Tuberculosis infection never develop active Tuberculosis disease. In these people, the Tuberculosis bacteria remain inactive for a lifetime without causing disease. But in other people, especially people who have weak immune systems, the bacteria become active and cause Tuberculosis disease. Back to the top.
