Tuberculosis Guide

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infection that was once very common and deadly in the United States. Because TB is highly contagious and there was no effective treatment years ago, there were TB sanitariums around the country used to isolate those who were 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. The 2006 TB incidence rates were the lowest recorded since 1953; sanitariums are no longer necessary. However, TB continues to be a concern in the HIV population. A little background information:

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 and is not contagious.

• Active - The lungs have become infected (pulmonary TB) and the infection is causing symptoms such as cough and a positive chest x-ray. A person is contagious if he or she has active TB, meaning the infection can be spread to other people. As is the case with HIV infection, active TB usually occurs in the presence of a weakened immune system. 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 when someone with active pulmonary TB exhales, coughs, or sneezes and releases microscopic droplets containing TB bacteria into the air. Infection occurs when a person inhales 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 to active infection. Diagnosis of latent or active TB is the key to staying healthy if TB infection occurs.

The TB Blood Test

PPD - The TB Skin Test

How Can I Avoid TB?

Using proper protective equipment, namely TB rated masks and gowns that will prevent the inhalation of infected droplets exhaled in to the air, 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 (PPD). If the 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 annual TB tests.

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.