Abstract

DUARTE, R; VILLAR, M  and  CARVALHO, A. Latent tuberculosis infection treatment: Current recommendations. Rev Port Pneumol [online]. 2010, vol.16, n.5, pp.809-814. ISSN 0873-2159.

Diagnosis and treatment of latent infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (LTBI), significantly reduces the risk of developing active tuberculosis and the transmission of the disease in the community. LTBI screening must pass by the exclusion of active disease (symptoms enquiry and chest radiography) and assessment of immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis testing with the tests currently available - tuberculin skin test and interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA). The choice of treatment must take into account the efficacy and side effects associated with the same. This document provides updated recommendations on latent tuberculosis infection treatment. Topics covered include whom to test for TB and reviewed LTBI treatment regimens.

Keywords : Tuberculosis; latent tuberculosis infection; treatment; preventive.

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