Latent M. tuberculosis infection, update 2011
Lechartier, Bît.; Mazza-Stalder, J.; Janssens, J-Paul.; Nicod, L.P.
Revue Medicale Suisse 7(318): 2289-2294
2011
ISSN/ISBN: 1660-9379 PMID: 22400364 Document Number: 652795
It is estimated that one third of the world population is latently infected by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and thus at risk of reactivation. Latent tuberculosis (TB) impact in Switzerland is often overlooked. Diagnosis and prophylaxis are insufficiently undertaken, especially for people at higher risk of reactivation due to immunosuppression. Interferon-gamma release assays replace tuberculosis skin tests for diagnosis of latent infection in adults. It is still recommended to treat prophylactically a case of latent TB infection with 9 months of isoniazid; however therapy with rifampicin for 4 months, currently an alternative option, is linked to improved adherence and favorable cost-benefit ratio.