How is latent tuberculosis infection typically treated?

• A. Prophylactically with isoniazid or rifampin
• B. With vaccines only
• C. With antibiotics only if symptoms present
• D. It does not require treatment

Answer: (A)

Latent TB infection means the bacteria are in the body but asleep, so there are no symptoms and it isn’t contagious. The goal of treatment is to prevent future disease by eradicating dormant bacteria and stopping reactivation. The standard approach is to give preventive antibiotics specifically for latent infection, most commonly isoniazid or rifampin. These are used even though there are no symptoms, because they dramatically reduce the risk that latent bacteria will become active TB later. Isoniazid is typically given for several months, and rifampin for a shorter course, with alternative regimens available in certain situations. Vaccines do not treat latent infection, and waiting for symptoms isn’t appropriate since latent TB by definition has none.