Background:

• TB is a respiratory disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberulosis (M.tb)

• WHO estimates that 25% of global population is infected with M.tb

• South Africa has a high burden

Figure 1: The estimated incidence number in South Africa from all forms of TB

Figure 2: The estimated number of deaths in South Africa from all forms of TB

Latent TB Infection (LTBI)

• Definition: An individual that is infected with M.tb but has no clinical symptoms of active disease

• Primary source for new TB cases

• LTBI -> Active TB occurs in about 5-10% of infected individuals

• Factors influencing progression: Weakened Immune system | Time since infection | Age

• Exact mechanism of progression is unknown

TB Infections in Western Cape:

Western Cape TB Stats