M. tuberculosis is the causative agent of tuberculosis. What is the difference between latent and active form of TB? Is latent TB contagious and should it be treated? Would you expect it to be harder to treat a TB infection when the bacterium is in latent form? Why or Why not?
And an ethics question: In 2007, a patient infected with the extremely drug resistant form of TB refused to follow doctor’s orders and flew out on an airplane . As a consequence, he was legally confined. Other patients with XDR TB have been subjected to legal confinement in hospital jail units. In your opinion, should non-compliant patients be subjected to legally confinement until the treatment is effective?