What is the approximate lifetime risk of TB reactivation after initial infection?

What is the approximate lifetime risk of TB reactivation after initial infection?

• A. 20% to 40%
• B. 5% to 15%
• C. 1% to 2%
• D. 50% to 60%

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is that after initial TB infection, the bacteria can become dormant and remain in the body as latent infection. Most people keep them controlled, but a minority will eventually develop active TB over the course of their life. For someone with latent TB who is not severely immunocompromised, the approximate lifetime risk of reactivation is about 5–15%. That’s why this range is the best estimate for lifetime risk. Significantly higher risks occur with HIV or other types of immune suppression, while the risk in healthy individuals is well within this 5–15% span. The other options (higher or much lower ranges) don’t match the typical lifetime probability seen in most latent infections.

The main idea here is that after initial TB infection, the bacteria can become dormant and remain in the body as latent infection. Most people keep them controlled, but a minority will eventually develop active TB over the course of their life. For someone with latent TB who is not severely immunocompromised, the approximate lifetime risk of reactivation is about 5–15%. That’s why this range is the best estimate for lifetime risk.

Significantly higher risks occur with HIV or other types of immune suppression, while the risk in healthy individuals is well within this 5–15% span. The other options (higher or much lower ranges) don’t match the typical lifetime probability seen in most latent infections.