[Diagnosis of latent tuberculous infections (healthy, currently or potentially immunocompromised subjects)].

Latent tuberculosis infection is a pathophysiological and clinical entity. The diagnosis is based on immunological tests such as the tuberculin skin test or interferon-gamma release assays. Interpretation of the results depends on the clinical context. Their predictive value for the occurrence of tuberculous disease is low, except in the case of young children and immunocompromised patients. Guidelines for the diagnosis of latent tuberculous infection in different countries are reviewed. The development of more predictive tests is desirable.