a-b: Overview of Delphi consensus process and participantsFigure 2a-b: Conceptual Mtb infection and TB states identified with consideration of benefit resulting from diagnosis and treatment (2a) and pathways across infection and disease states (2b).
Pathology = macroscopic pathology, Infectious = ability to cause new Mtb infections, Symptoms & Signs = TB symptoms and signs, Self-cleared = absence of viable Mtb after Mtb infection, never crossed disease threshold and not received treatment, Infected = persistence of Mtb infection, including after antibiotic or self cure from disease, remains at risk of developing disease. Full recovery = Both disease and infection fully resolved without post-TB impairment, with or without treatment, Post-TB = disease or disability due to damage caused by TB pathology after microbiological or self-cure. Figure created with Biorender.com