Multi-parameter flow cytometry immunophenotyping distinguishes different stages of tuberculosis infection.

•Active TB patients have higher Monocyte-to-lymphocyte and Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios than latent TB and NoTBI contacts.•Active TB patients are characterized by lower Th1/Th2 ratio and lower proportion of Th1-Th17, CD4+ central memory and MAIT cells.•CD154 expression is higher in Mtb-stimulated central and effector memory CD4+ T cells from active and latent TB than NoTBI contacts.•Expression of CD154 showed a higher accuracy than production of IFNγ to discriminate Mtb-specific activation in CD4+ T cells.•Other candidate cell subsets to discriminate between TB study groups include γδ CD56+, NK-Bright and CD8+ T cells.