LATENT TUBERCULOSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Latent tuberculosis refers to a condition in which a person carries the bacteria that cause tuberculosis (TB) in their body but does not display any symptoms. The term "latent" implies that the TB bacteria are present in the body but are in a dormant state, remaining inactive and causing no harm to the individual. Latent tuberculosis is also known as latent TB infection, and it typically occurs when the immune system is able to control the infection, preventing the bacteria from multiplying and causing disease.
Individuals with latent tuberculosis do not feel sick and show no signs of the illness, such as coughing, fever, or weight loss. They do not transmit the disease to others since the bacteria cannot be spread through the air. However, without treatment, latent TB can progress to active tuberculosis over time, especially if the immune system weakens due to factors such as malnutrition, HIV infection, or certain medications.
To diagnose latent tuberculosis, special tests like the tuberculin skin test or blood tests are conducted to determine whether the body has been exposed to the bacteria. Treatment for latent tuberculosis involves taking a course of antibiotics for several months to prevent the bacteria from becoming active and causing active tuberculosis. This helps to eliminate the bacteria from the body and prevent the development of disease in the future.
Overall, latent tuberculosis refers to the presence of dormant TB bacteria in the body with no symptoms of active disease, necessitating treatment to prevent the bacteria from becoming active and causing tuberculosis.
Etymology of LATENT TUBERCULOSIS
The term "latent tuberculosis" consists of two parts: "latent" and "tuberculosis".
1. "Latent" originates from the Latin word "latens", which is the present participle of the verb "latere", meaning "to lie hidden". The term "latent" refers to something that is present but not active or visible, something lying hidden or dormant.
2. "Tuberculosis" is derived from the Latin word "tuberculum", which means a small swelling or protuberance. The term "tuberculosis" refers to an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which usually affects the lungs but can also affect other body parts.
Therefore, "latent tuberculosis" refers to a state of tuberculosis where the bacteria are present in the body but not actively causing symptoms. The term indicates the existence of a silent infection that could later become active and cause illness.
