DIAGNOSTIC CHALLENGES IN LATENT TUBERCULOSIS INFECTION: CURRENT LIMITATIONS AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) remains a significant global health challenge, contributing to the persistence of active tuberculosis (TB) cases. Early and accurate detection of LTBI is essential for effective TB control strategies, yet current diagnostic methods face substantial limitations. The tuberculin skin test (TST) and interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) are widely used, but both exhibit variable sensitivity, specificity, and logistical constraints, particularly in low-resource settings. Moreover, distinguishing LTBI from active TB and determining the risk of progression to active disease remains an ongoing issue. This article reviews the current diagnostic landscape for LTBI, highlights existing gaps, and explores emerging technologies with the potential to enhance diagnostic accuracy and accessibility. Addressing these challenges is crucial for improving global TB prevention efforts and achieving the goals outlined in the End TB Strategy.