TB disease develops when the immune system cannot keep tuberculosis bacteria under control, and bacteria begin to rapidly MULTIPLY and destroy tissue in the body: the bacteria can actually create a cavity or hole in the lung. People with TB disease are sick, and usually have symptoms.

TB disease can develop very soon after infection, or may appear many years after infection. People with TB disease can spread TB to others.

People with TB Disease:

• Usually have signs and symptoms
• Usually feel sick
• May spreads TB bacteria to others
• Usually have a positive TB test
• May have an abnormal chest x-ray, or positive sputum smear or culture
• Need treatment to stop the disease

TB disease normally affects the lung and is known as pulmonary TB. When TB occurs outside the lung it is REFERRED to as extra-pulmonary TB. TB in the lungs or throat can be infectious, meaning the bacteria can be spread to other people. People with TB disease are most likely to spread it to those they spend time with every day, including family members, friends, coworkers, classmates, commuters, etc. TB disease in other parts of the body – such as the kidney or spine – is usually not easily spread to others.

The likelihood that TB will be transmitted HEAVILY depends on the following factors:

• INFECTIOUSNESS of the person with TB disease
• Environment in which exposure occurred
• DURATION of exposure
• Virulence of the organism

TB disease develops when the immune system cannot keep tuberculosis bacteria under control, and bacteria begin to rapidly multiply and destroy tissue in the body: the bacteria can actually create a cavity or hole in the lung. People with TB disease are sick, and usually have symptoms.

TB disease can develop very soon after infection, or may appear many years after infection. People with TB disease can spread TB to others.

People with TB Disease:

TB disease normally affects the lung and is known as pulmonary TB. When TB occurs outside the lung it is referred to as extra-pulmonary TB. TB in the lungs or throat can be infectious, meaning the bacteria can be spread to other people. People with TB disease are most likely to spread it to those they spend time with every day, including family members, friends, coworkers, classmates, commuters, etc. TB disease in other parts of the body – such as the kidney or spine – is usually not easily spread to others.

The likelihood that TB will be transmitted heavily depends on the following factors: