Abstract: Objective  To describe and evaluate the progress of the latent tuberculosis infection and tuberculosis preventive therapy.  Methods  We made a comprehensive search for published literatures including 7 databases, websites of 3 health agencies and Google Scholar. Studies related to the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection and tuberculosis preventive therapy were identified by inclusion and exclusion criteria. Initially 573 papers were searched out, and 17 papers were included eventually. Of the 17 papers included in the analysis, 4 studies aimed to describe the status of latent tuberculosis infection. 2 were guidelines published by US CDC, 11 studies amid to evaluate the treatment regimen and effectiveness of preventive therapy.  Results  The Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection rate of the entire population of United States is about 4.2%, 14.2% for non-Aboriginal population of Columbia of Canada, 15.0% for the 8 provinces of Afghanistan, and our fourth epidemiological survey results showed this rate was 44.5% for all age group of China. (United States, Canada, Afghanistan use the tuberculin skin test induration diameter≥ 10 mm as standard of infection, and China use induration diameter≥ 6 mm as standard). Latent infection diagnosis is based on the comprehensive consideration of patients’ past history, the tuberculin skin test or interferon-γ release test results, chest radiological examinations, physical examination.  The effect of different regimen of preventive treatment varied greatly, with the protection rate ranging from 0% to 61%, the treatment completion rate from 43% to 90%, the incidence of adverse drug responses mainly rash, hepatitis, and peripheral neuritis from 0% to 10%.  Conclusion  The current focus of TB control in China is to achieve the purpose of rapid and effective control of TB transmission through the detection and cure of infectious cases. However, with the development of China’s economy and the intensified TB case detection, tuberculosis preventive therapy will become an important part of TB control measures.

Key words: Tuberculosis/prevention &, control, Clinical protocols, Evaluation studies