What if I have latent tb infection? How can I keep from developing tb disease? What are tests for tb infection?

Question

We in india usually do not treat latent tb, where as in american and european countries they may treat it also. The reason for it are: 1. Our 40% of population is infected with tb and treating 40% of the population is not a practical task. 2. Even if an individual takes treatment for latent tb, the tb disease is so common in the community that person may still again get tb infection from a tb patient in community.
Taking a good diet, regular exercise, leading a stress free life, not smoking, living a spacious atmosphere are some of the ways of preventing tb disease. To detect tb infection there are two test 1. Mantoux/tuberculin test. 2. Interferon gamma release assays (igra).

Brahma Prakash · Accepted Answer

We in india usually do not treat latent tb, where as in american and european countries they may treat it also. The reason for it are: 1. Our 40% of population is infected with tb and treating 40% of the population is not a practical task. 2. Even if an individual takes treatment for latent tb, the tb disease is so common in the community that person may still again get tb infection from a tb patient in community.
Taking a good diet, regular exercise, leading a stress free life, not smoking, living a spacious atmosphere are some of the ways of preventing tb disease. To detect tb infection there are two test 1. Mantoux/tuberculin test. 2. Interferon gamma release assays (igra).