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Risk Factors of Tuberculosis

The chronic bacterial infection tuberculosis, often referred to as TB, is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a germ that invades the lungs and other areas and organs of the body. Spread via the air when an infected person talks, sneezes or coughs, TB can be fatal if not properly treated, usually with several prescription medications taken for an extended period of time.

  1. Weak Immune System

    • Anything capable of weakening the immune system can increase a person's vulnerability to tuberculosis. Common culprits include abusing alcohol and drugs; not maintaining a healthy lifestyle; residing in a shelter or refugee camp with unhealthy food, unsanitary conditions and other high-risk people; taking prescription drugs that suppress the immune system, such as chemotherapy medications and corticosteroids; and having a chronic health problem that weakens the immune system, such as diabetes or HIV.

    Age

    • Tuberculosis is more likely to strike older adults because their elevated age and higher probability of having another medical condition increases their chance of also having a weak immune system. In addition, TB outbreaks sometimes occur in nursing homes.

    Continual Exposure

    • Those who live with a friend, relative or roommate infected with tuberculosis are more susceptible to contracting TB through close and continuous exposure to the infection. The same applies to people who work in overcrowded environments with inadequate ventilation and/or a population of people at higher risk of having TB, such as an immigration center, nursing home, prison, or health-care facility like a hospital.

    Native Country

    • Certain areas of the world have a greater number of tuberculosis cases, including China, India and sub-Saharan Africa. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the rate of TB among people who lived in the United States in 2006 was more than 9.5 times higher for foreign-born individuals as opposed to those born in the country. In 2007, 58 percent of all TB cases in the United States were people born in other countries, with the most frequent birth countries being China, India, Mexico, the Philippines and Vietnam.

    Poor Healthcare

    • Individuals who don't have sufficient access to quality medical care -- such as those who have a low income or are homeless -- are at risk for tuberculosis simply because diagnosing and treating the infection are less likely.

    Traveling

    • One-third of the global population -- approximately 2 billion people -- is estimated to have tuberculosis bacteria. Traveling from one country to another not only increases the risk of exposure to TB bacteria, but also the likelihood of exposing others to the TB bacteria the traveler may have contracted.

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