Which infection increases the risk of progressing from latent TB to TB disease among inmates?

Which infection increases the risk of progressing from latent TB to TB disease among inmates?

• A. HIV infection among inmates increases risk
• B. Hepatitis C
• C. Malaria
• D. Diabetes

Answer: (D)

Progression from latent TB to active disease happens mainly when the immune system is weakened. HIV infection is the strongest factor here because it directly impairs the immune response that normally keeps TB bacteria in check, making latent TB far more likely to reactivate—especially in a setting like a prison where TB exposure can be higher. Diabetes also raises the risk by impairing immune function, but its impact is typically smaller than that of HIV. Hepatitis C and malaria don’t have the same clear effect on TB reactivation. So, HIV infection among inmates increases the risk of latent TB progressing to TB disease.

Progression from latent TB to active disease happens mainly when the immune system is weakened. HIV infection is the strongest factor here because it directly impairs the immune response that normally keeps TB bacteria in check, making latent TB far more likely to reactivate—especially in a setting like a prison where TB exposure can be higher. Diabetes also raises the risk by impairing immune function, but its impact is typically smaller than that of HIV. Hepatitis C and malaria don’t have the same clear effect on TB reactivation. So, HIV infection among inmates increases the risk of latent TB progressing to TB disease.