A distinction is made between infection with tuberculosis (latent tuberculous infection / LTBI) and tuberculosis.

Contact with people with infectious pulmonary tuberculosis can lead to infection. This condition is also known as latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). In 90 - 95% of cases, the body's immune system is able to control the pathogens. People with LTBI are therefore neither contagious nor do they need to be isolated.

However, if the inhaled tuberculosis bacteria multiply in the lungs, this leads to tuberculosis, which must be treated with medication. This is the case in around 5 - 10% of all infected people. The risk of becoming ill is highest in the first two years after infection, with HIV and with immunodeficiency due to medication. In rarer cases, it is still possible to become ill decades after infection.

The progression of the disease can be effectively prevented with so-called preventive therapy. This involves taking one or two medications for a few months, which are also used to treat tuberculosis.

There are currently no tests that can be used to predict your risk of developing tuberculosis if you are infected / LTBI. Risk scores can be used to help. However, these are no substitute for individual consultation and risk/benefit assessment with your health authority or the doctors treating you.