<s>[INST] What is TB infection (“LTBI” or “latent TB”)? [/INST] Individuals with TB infection (“LTBI” or “latent TB”) harbour dormant Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex organisms in their bodies but are not infectious and do not have symptoms of TB disease. TB infected individuals usually have a positive T SPOT.TB test result; however, assessing the probability of infection requires a combination of epidemiological, historical, medical and diagnostic findings. It is estimated that 10% of immunocompetent persons with latent TB infection will develop TB disease during the course of their lives. Approximately half of these individuals will develop TB disease within the first two years after infection, while the other half are at risk of developing TB disease at some stage in their life. The risk of progressing from TB infection to TB disease is increased in those with a weakened immune system. For example, patients living with HIV/AIDS are at a greatly increased risk of progressing to TB disease, as are patients who have undergone an organ transplant, or are receiving immunosuppressive therapy. When appropriately diagnosed, latent TB infection can be treated with antibiotics. Urgency of treatment is dictated by degree of risk of progression which is derived from consideration of epidemiological, medical and diagnostic findings. Source: T-SPOT ASIA. Link: https://tspot.asia/resources/frequently-asked-questions/. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s>