This website uses cookies. By using our website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Read more - OK, thanks

Back to Suggested Publications

Thursday 3 September 2015
Latent TB infections

WHO informs that on 28 May 2015 the NEJM published an article by authors from the Global TB Programme of WHO and Johns Hopkins University on  latent tuberculosis (TB) infection, the management of which  constitutes an important component of the End TB Strategy.  Although the vast majority of  persons latently infected by tuberculosis have no signs or symptoms of TB disease and are not infectious, they are at risk of developing active TB disease during their lifetime

Why we suggest it
WHO says that management of latent tuberculosis in population groups at high risk of developing TB particularly in countries with low incidence of TB is a fundamental intervention for elimination of tuberculosis. The paper reported that if 8% of persons with latent tuberculosis could be permanently protected each year, the global incidence in 2050 would be 14 times lower as the incidence in 2013, with no other intervention needed. The paper summarises the pathogenesis, epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of latent tuberculosis infection and addressed  critical gaps in the understanding of this complex condition propsing the necessary research agenda. The paper particularly highlighted the huge potential that a new test or treatment for this public health problem would generate, including in market terms. Such potential about latent TB infection, which is estimated to affect one third of the world population, should motivate the corporate sector to invest in research. The article therefore also calls for the reassessment of the global burden and a better understanding of the magnitude of latent tuberculosis infection to inform both clinical and public health measures

Authors: Haileyesus Getahun, Alberto Matteelli, Richard E. Chaisson and Mario Raviglione

Useful links
For further information about LTBI visit www.who.int/tb/challenges/ltbi/en/
Read the full article on NEJM.