A latent TB infection is when you have tuberculosis, but it is not causing any signs or symptoms. Latent TB infection can turn into active tuberculosis at any time, and it becomes more dangerous and difficult to treat when it does. Therefore, even though your latent TB infection is not currently life-threatening or dangerous, it is important to seek proper treatment so it does not turn into an active infection.
It is important to note that not all cases of latent TB turn into active cases. In fact, between 90% and 95% never will. However, it is equally important to note that TB is not always latent, and sometimes you will start manifesting symptoms soon after infection. Either way, you should seek a diagnosis and treatment as quickly as possible.
Currently, the only way to treat latent TB infections is to use one or more medications. These medications are potent antibiotics that must be taken according to a strict regimen as determined by your doctor. Treatment courses will range from three to nine months, depending on which medications you take.
Your first option is to take rifampin, which is an antimycobacterial that is used to kill germs and bacteria. Rifampin can kill the tuberculosis bacteria and prevent them from progressing into an active condition. If you take rifampin by itself, you will need to take one dose every day for four months, which should be enough to kill the TB infection inside you.
If rifampin is not an option or you do not want to deal with its side effects, you can also opt for Isoniazid. As with Rifampin, Isoniazid is an oral antibiotic medication that you take to kill the bacteria that are causing an active or latent case of TB.
Where Isoniazid is different than Rifampin is in how often you have to take it. Depending on your condition and doctor, they will recommend taking a daily dose or a twice-weekly dose for anywhere from six to nine months. It all depends on how well you respond to the medication and your preferences.
If you want to speed up the treatment process, you can opt to take a combination treatment of Isoniazid and Rifampin. You will need to take this combination of antibiotics every day for three months, and you may suffer from the unwanted side effects of both medications.
Finally, you have the option of taking another combination therapy consisting of Isoniazid and Rifapentine. Rifapentine is another potent antimycobacterial medication that kills the bacteria and germs of a TB infection. The combination of Isoniazid and Rifapentine is the shortest and most potent treatment option available, and it requires a once-weekly dose for three months.
If you have a latent TB infection, it is essential that you take care of it before it progresses into active TB. While only 5% to 10% of cases progress into active TB, there is a very high mortality rate with tuberculosis when it is left untreated. Therefore, you should contact your doctor and start an antibiotic treatment plan that you are comfortable with and that is effective for your situation.