Abstract:
Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) remains a significant ,
global health challenge, contributing to the persistence of
active tuberculosis (TB) cases. Early and accurate detection
of LTBI is essential for effective TB control strategies, yet
current diagnostic methods face substantial limitations. The
tuberculin skin test (TST) and interferon-gamma release
assays (IGRAs) are widely used, but both exhibit variable
sensitivity, specificity, and logistical constraints, particularly
in low-resource settings. Moreover, distinguishing LTBI from
active TB and determining the risk of progression to active
disease remains an ongoing issue. This article reviews the
current diagnostic landscape for LTBI, highlights existing
gaps, and explores emerging technologies with the potential
to enhance diagnostic accuracy and accessibility. Addressing
these challenges is crucial for improving global TB
prevention efforts and achieving the goals outlined in the
End TB Strategy
