The first stage of tuberculosis is called primary infection. During this stage, the immune system cells find and capture the tuberculosis germs. The immune system may successfully fight off the germs and prevent further infection. However, sometimes the bacteria remains dormant in the body, leading to a latent TB infection.
In many cases, the latent infection never progresses. But for some people, the TB bacteria can reactivate and develop into active TB disease, causing symptoms like cough, chest pain, and fever.
