Because the tuberculosis bacteria generally stay dormant after they invade the body, only ___________ percent of people infected with TB will ever develop the active disease.

The correct answer is 10 percent because research shows that among individuals who have been infected with the tuberculosis (TB) bacteria, approximately 10 percent will go on to develop active TB disease at some point in their lives. This is significant because it highlights the nature of TB infection; many people can carry the bacteria without showing symptoms and may never develop the active disease. Additionally, the 10 percent figure often pertains to those who have a normal immune response, while people with weakened immune systems may have a higher likelihood of progressing to active TB. Understanding this statistic is crucial, especially in the context of public health and management of TB, as it underscores the importance of monitoring and preventive measures for those who are at higher risk of developing the disease.