The Difference between Latent TB Infection (LTBI) and TB Disease

A Person with Latent TB Infection

Has no symptoms

A Person with TB Disease

Has symptoms that may include: o a bad cough that lasts 3 weeks or longer o pain in the chest o coughing up blood or sputum o weakness or fatigue o weight loss o no appetite o chills o fever o sweating at night Usually feels sick May spread TB bacteria to others Usually has a skin test or blood test result indicating TB infection May have an abnormal chest x-ray, or positive sputum smear or culture Needs treatment to treat TB disease

Does not feel sick Cannot spread TB bacteria to others Usually has a skin test or blood test result indicating TB infection Has a normal chest x-ray and a negative sputum smear Needs treatment for latent TB infection to prevent TB disease