Abstract:
Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is the persistent immune response to stimulation of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens without evidence of clinically apparent active Tuberculosis
(TB). Estimates show a quarter of the global population is infected with tuberculosis, where most
cases are asymptomatic and non-infectious. Studies show that on average, 5-10% of these latently
infected persons have risks of progressing to develop active TB, usually within the first five years
of initial infection. However, risks of progression by and large depend on immunological status.
