What is true about latent TB infection (LTBI)?

Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) refers to a state where a person is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis but does not show any signs or symptoms of active tuberculosis disease. In this latent state, the bacteria are present in the body and can remain dormant, meaning they are not currently causing active disease or making the person sick.

A key point in understanding LTBI is that individuals with this condition are not infectious; they do not spread the bacteria to others, which distinguishes it from active tuberculosis. The immune system effectively contains the infection, preventing it from progressing to the active form, where symptoms would be present, and the person could transmit the bacteria to others.

Unlike other options, which suggest that the individual is either infectious, unable to control the bacteria, or can forgo treatment, recognizing that LTBI is a dormant state helps clarify the importance of monitoring and possibly treating LTBI to prevent future development of active TB disease. Treatment for LTBI is often recommended to reduce the risk of progression to active TB, but it is essential to understand that the infection itself is not causing any disease at this stage.