Latent tuberculosis infection means a person carries Mycobacterium tuberculosis in their body without symptoms or currently active disease, and generally cannot transmit it to others. It is detected with tests such as a tuberculin skin test or interferon-gamma release assay, tracked nationally under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP). Latent TB infection is not the same as active genital tuberculosis, and its presence alone does not diagnose female genital tuberculosis or explain infertility; a separate, specific evaluation of the reproductive tract is needed if genital TB is suspected.
Also known as: LTBI, dormant TB
Sources
- National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme, Government of India (tbcindia.gov.in)
- World Health Organization (who.int)
Last reviewed: 9 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only — always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.