Also Known As:
TB
Related Resources:
The Deadly Combo...TB
and HIV
Definition:
A bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium
tuberculosis. TB bacteria are spread by airborne droplets expelled from the
lungs when a person with active TB coughs, sneezes, or speaks. Exposure to these
droplets can lead to infection in the air sacs of the lungs. The immune defenses
of healthy people usually prevent TB infection from spreading beyond a very
small area of the lungs. If the body's immune
system is impaired because of infection with HIV, aging, malnutrition, or
other factors, the TB bacterium may begin to spread more widely in the lungs or
to other tissues. TB is seen with increasing frequency among persons infected
with HIV. Most cases of TB occur in the lungs (pulmonary TB). However, the
disease may also occur in the larynx, lymph nodes, brain, kidneys, or bones
(extrapulmonary TB). Extrapulmonary TB infections are more common among persons
living with HIV.
Related Terms
• TB
Opportunistic
Infections
A complete guide to opportunistic infections
Important information on this deadly combination.
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Tuberculosis
(TB)
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