Do I need to be treated for latent tuberculosis?

Question

Hello! I'm 17 and I've just had a positive Mantoux Test. I did a chest X-ray which showed I was perfectly fine. Prior to that, I've had two BCGs, when I was 1 and 7. My doctor wants me to follow the standard treatment of INH for latent tuberculosis, which lasts 9 months, since I've just moved to the USA from Central Africa. Yet I'm pretty scared about the side effects, which include hepatitis. What should I do? Can't my positive Mantoux test be the result of my having had two BCG previously? Thanks for your answers!

Answer 1

I can understand your hesitation. Not sure if you can get a second opinion, but it looks like it might be a good idea. The Mantoux test is not totally reliable in diagnosing TB, including post-BCG, so if your chest x-ray came up clear, you might want to see what someone else thinks. Not saying your doctor is wrong, but saying you're not wrong in wondering if that's the best way to go.

Answer 2

The BCGs can cause a false positive on teh Mantoux test.  But you also could have latent TB - especially coming from centra africa.  And even latent TB needs to be treated.

Did you chest x-ray show anything at all?  Any areas of scarring or consolidation?

Talk to your doctor about why he wants to treat - you can also get a second opinion.