Tuberc Respir Dis.  2015 Apr;78(2):56-63. 10.4046/trd.2015.78.2.56.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Latent Tuberculosis Infection

• Lee SH

• KMID: 2320595
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4046/trd.2015.78.2.56

Abstract

A small number of viable tuberculosis bacilli can reside in an individual with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) without obvious clinical symptoms or abnormal chest radiographs. Diagnosis and treatment for LTBI are important for tuberculosis (TB) control in public and private health, especially in high-risk populations. The updated 2014 Korean guidelines for TB recommend that tuberculin skin tests, interferon-gamma release assays, or a combination of the two can be used for LTBI diagnosis according to age and immune status of the host as well as TB contact history. The regimens for LTBI treatment include isoniazid, rifampicin, or isoniazid/rifampicin. However, results of drug susceptibility test from the index case must be considered in selecting the appropriate drug for recent contacts. Standardized LTBI diagnosis and treatment based on the new 2014 guidelines will contribute to the effective TB control in Korea as well as to the establishment of updated guidelines.

Keyword

Latent Tuberculosis; Tuberculin Test; Interferon-Gamma Release Assay

MeSH Terms

Diagnosis*
Interferon-gamma Release Tests
Isoniazid
Korea
Latent Tuberculosis*
Radiography, Thoracic
Rifampin
Skin Tests
Tuberculin
Tuberculin Test
Tuberculosis
Isoniazid
Rifampin
Tuberculin

Figure

• 

  Figure 1 Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) diagnosis in immune-competent subjects. Appropriate method according to situations can be selected from the followings: TST alone (A), TST/IGRA two step test (B), or IGRA test alone (C)5. TB: tuberculosis; Hx: history; P.Ex: physical examination; CXR: chest radiographs.

• 

  Figure 2 Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) diagnosis in immune-compromised subjects. Appropriate method according to situations can be tuberculin skin test (TST)/interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA) combination test (A) or IGRA test alone (B). TST-negative result alone cannot exclude LTBI, but TST-positive result alone can indicate LTBI5. TB: tuberculosis; Hx: history; P.Ex: physical examination; CXR: chest radiographs.

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