Inactive tuberculosis

Inactive tuberculosis, clinically referred to as latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), is a state of persistent immune containment following infection with *Mycobacterium tuberculosis*

In this stage, viable mycobacteria are sequestered by the host immune system—predominantly within pulmonary granulomas—without causing clinical illness or active tissue destruction Patients with inactive tuberculosis are entirely asymptomatic, noncontagious, and demonstrate normal chest radiography alongside negative microbiological evaluations, though they exhibit immunological sensitization via a positive tuberculin skin test or interferon-gamma release assay

In this stage, viable mycobacteria are sequestered by the host immune system—predominantly within pulmonary granulomas—without causing clinical illness or active tissue destruction Patients with inactive tuberculosis are entirely asymptomatic, noncontagious, and demonstrate normal chest radiography alongside negative microbiological evaluations, though they exhibit immunological sensitization via a positive tuberculin skin test or interferon-gamma release assay

Although contained, dormant bacilli represent a lifelong reservoir that can reactivate into active, transmissible tuberculosis disease, particularly in individuals who develop cellular immunosuppression

Although contained, dormant bacilli represent a lifelong reservoir that can reactivate into active, transmissible tuberculosis disease, particularly in individuals who develop cellular immunosuppression