Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global health challenge, necessitating the development of precise diagnostic tools to discriminate between active TB (ATB) and latent TB infection (LTBI). TB manifests in two primary states, including ATB and LTBI. ATB arises when Mycobacterium tuberculosis proliferates, prompting symptomatic expression. Clinical manifestations include coughing (sometimes hemoptysis), chest pain, weakness, weight loss, fever, and night sweats. Airborne transmission ensues, highlighting the urgency of diagnosis and multi-drug antibiotic treatment. Conversely, LTBI denotes asymptomatic individuals with a positive TB test but absent clinical disease. LTBI, while non-contagious, poses a risk of progression to ATB, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Identifying LTBI permits targeted antibiotic therapy, mitigating progression risks. Accurate discrimination between these two statuses is pivotal for effective management, encompassing containment of transmission, tailored treatment strategies, and informed public health interventions. Such precision facilitates comprehensive TB control efforts, optimizing individual outcomes and population health. This Research Topic endeavours to explore the intricate immunological characteristics that could distinguish these two states, aiming to identify reliable biomarkers and introduce novel diagnostic approaches.

Additionally, this Research Topic will critically evaluate existing diagnostic methods and highlight their strengths and limitations, paving the way for introducing innovative approaches. Manuscripts about cutting-edge technologies such as advanced single-cell-based sequencing assays, multiplexed cytometric and serological panels, as well as emerging algorithms derived from machine learning that will help enhance the accuracy and efficiency of TB diagnostics are also welcome.

The goal of this collection is to contribute to advancing the field, enabling clinicians to discriminate between ATB and LTBI with heightened precision.

To gather further insights in this complex field, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
1. Novel approaches or biomarkers for the discrimination ATB from LTBI
2. Cutting-edge technologies targeting the prediction of the transition between ATB and LTBI
3. Transformation and application of multidisciplinary integration in TB diagnostics
4. Powerful and high-standard verification of existing methods for diagnosing TB infection

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Discriminating Active Tuberculosis from Latent Tuberculosis Infection: Immunological Characteristics, Biomarkers, and Novel Approaches Volume II