What does the Mantoux test primarily screen for?

The Mantoux test, also known as the tuberculin skin test, is specifically designed to screen for tuberculosis (TB) infection. This test involves injecting a small amount of purified protein derivative (PPD) intradermally, typically on the forearm, and then assessing the area for a reaction after 48 to 72 hours. A positive reaction indicates that a person has been exposed to the bacteria that cause TB and may have an infection.

This screening is crucial because tuberculosis can be asymptomatic in its early stages, meaning a person can carry the virus without showing any signs of illness. Early detection through the Mantoux test allows for timely treatment to prevent the disease from progressing and spreading.

Other conditions mentioned in the choices, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, are screened using entirely different methods that involve blood tests or monitoring different physiological factors. Therefore, the Mantoux test is distinctly valuable for identifying tuberculosis, making it the correct answer.