The Union organised two high-level consultations to discuss methods for tackling latent TB infection (LTBI) in Beijing, China, and Chennai, India, in 2017. The meetings brought together researchers, healthcare workers and other experts in TB.
According to WHO estimates, one-fourth of the world’s population is infected with M. tuberculosis, which causes no symptoms and is not contagious. Approximately five to 10 percent of persons with LTBI will develop active TB, especially in people with lower immune function, such as children and people living with HIV, or those in regular contact with persons with TB. Testing for LTBI among these high-risk populations is an essential preventive method to reduce TB incidence.
The Beijing event was organised by The Union and the National Center for Tuberculosis Control and Prevention of China CDC, with support from QIAGEN. The Chennai meeting was organised by The Union in collaboration with the Indian Council for Medical Research, Central TB Division, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, National Institute for Research in TB and supported by USAID.