Active vs. Latent TB

Active TB disease is an illness where the TB bacteria are multiplying and attacking different parts of your body, most often the lungs. A person with active TB disease can spread TB to others. If you are diagnosed with an active TB disease, be prepared to give a careful, detailed list of every person you have had contact with so those people can be tested for TB as well.

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Miliary TB is a rare form of active disease that occurs when tuberculosis bacteria find their way into the bloodstream through an open wound. In this form, the bacteria quickly spread all over the body in tiny nodules and affect multiple organs at once. This can be rapidly fatal.

Latent TB infection is less aggressive than the active form of the disease. A latent TB infection means that your body is infected with live TB germs, but they are not rapidly reproducing and spreading. If you have a latent TB infection, your skin test will usually be positive but you will have no symptoms: You won't feel sick, and you can't spread TB to others. However, you may develop active TB disease if you do not receive treatment for latent TB infection and your immune system can no longer keep the bacteria in check.