The burden of latent multidrug-resistant tuberculosis

Abstract

In the past 10 years, there has been renewed interest in the early phases of the natural history of tuberculosis.1 Estimates suggest that around 25% of the world's population could have latent tuberculosis infection,2 5–10% of whom will develop active disease during their lifetime3 (10% annually among people with HIV).4 Failure to implement effective tuberculosis control measures to manage latent infection threatens elimination goals.