is latent tuberculosis contagious
These people have no symptoms because the healthy immune system is able to prevent the bacteria from growing and multiplying. In these cases, tuberculosis is called latent. People with latent tuberculosis are not contagious and cannot spread the disease to others. However, anything that stresses the immune system, such as malnutrition or a chronic disease, can lower the bodyâs resistance and allow the bacteria to become active and multiply in the body.