A significant proportion of the global population harbors Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium responsible for tuberculosis (TB). This is often in a latent, non-symptomatic form, meaning individuals are infected but do not exhibit active disease and cannot transmit the infection. Estimates vary, but generally, it is accepted that around a quarter of the worlds population is infected. This represents a vast reservoir of potential future TB cases.
The global burden of this infection is of critical importance due to its implications for public health. Latent TB infection (LTBI) can progress to active TB disease, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those living with HIV, or suffering from malnutrition. Controlling LTBI is essential for reducing the overall incidence of active TB, which remains a leading cause of death worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Historically, management of this widespread infection has been hampered by challenges in diagnosis, treatment accessibility, and adherence to lengthy drug regimens.
