Tuberculosis Guide - A Guide to TB and the TB Test

Tuberculosis or TB as it is sometimes referred to is an infection that was once very common and deadly in the United States. TB is diagnosed with a simple TB test. Getting a TB test is essential for people living with HIV. Years ago, there were TB sanitariums around the country used to isolate those TB infected to prevent the disease from being spread to other people. Today, TB is less common in the general population than it used to be. In fact the 2006 TB incidence rates were the lowest recorded since 1953; making TB sanitariums no longer necessary. However, TB continues to be a concern in the HIV population, thus the need for a TB test after diagnosis and when symptoms indicate or TB exposure was possible. Here is a little background information about TB and the TB test:

What is Tuberculosis?

TB is a disease caused by the bacteria known as Mycobacterium (pronounced "my-ko-bak-TEER-E-um") tuberculosis. TB most often infects the lungs, but can infect any part of the body. TB infection is classified in one of two ways:

• Latent - TB infection has occurred but is not causing illness or symptoms and is not contagious.

• Active - The lungs have become infected; referred to as pulmonary TB and the infection is causing TB symptoms such as cough,blood tinged sputum, night sweats and fever. Active TB will also show up on a chest x-ray. If a person has active TB, he or she can spread the TB infection to other people. Active TB usually occurs in people with a weakened immune system; including those people living with HIV. A weakened immune system allows the TB bacteria to multiply unchecked, causing illness.

  Understanding the Immune System

Can TB Infect Organs Other Than the Lungs?

While active TB affects primarily the lungs, it is possible to have TB infections of other parts of the body. The kidneys, abdomen, spine, and skin can all be infected by TB. Keep in mind that if person's TB infection is not in the lungs or throat, the infection usually can't be spread to other people.

How is TB Spread?

TB is spread from person to person via microscopic water droplets containing TB bacteria. When a person with active TB cough, sneezes, or exhales, infected water droplets are released into the air. Infection occurs when other people inhale these droplets. Active TB can happen at the time of exposure or can be the result of a reactivated latent infection. A person cannot get TB from shaking hands, sitting on a toilet seat, or sharing dishes or utensils.

How is TB Treated?

There are medications available to treat latent and active TB infections. Treatment of latent TB decreases the likelihood that reactivation of latent infection will occur. Diagnosis of latent or active TB is the key to staying healthy; thus the need for a TB test.

The TB Test

PPD - The TB Test

How Can I Avoid TB?

Using proper protective equipment, namely TB rated masks and gowns that prevent the inhalation of infected droplets and avoiding being around those who are infected can help you avoid TB.

If you are exposed to active TB, you should ask your doctor for a TB test; commonly known as a PPD. If the TB test is positive, you should ask for TB treatment. It is recommended that those in high-risk situations--hospital workers, the homeless, prison inmates--get a yearly TB test.

What Are the Symptoms of Active TB?

Active TB signs and symptoms include:

• A severe, persistent cough lasting longer than three weeks

• A cough producing thick and/or bloody sputum

• Chest pain and/or shortness of breath

• Persistent weakness or fatigue

• Weight loss and poor appetite

• Chills and fever

• Night sweats

So how do HIV and TB relate? Page 2 talks about the relationship between HIV and TB.