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CDC Tuberculosis Information

Tuberculosis is an infectious respiratory disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In some cases, TB can attack the kidneys, spine and brain. It is spread by sneezing, coughing or even speaking. If tuberculosis is left untreated, it can be fatal.

  1. Latent Tuberculosis

    • Latent, or inactive, TB is not contagious, and the patient does not feel sick. However, latent tuberculosis can become active. Infection is detectable through blood or skin tests.

    Active TB

    • In cases of active TB, the immune system is unable to control the growth of the bacteria, and the patient is able to spread it to others.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of tuberculosis are similar to those of other respiratory diseases, including a long-term cough, pain in the chest and blood in the sputum. Other symptoms include weight loss, weakness, chills, fever and night sweats.

    Treatment

    • Treatment for tuberculosis is dependent on which form of the disease is present. For latent tuberculosis patients, a nine month cycle of isoniazid is recommended. For patients who are immunocompromised, the cycle may be prescribed for longer. The antibiotics are taken for up to 12 months by patients with active TB.

    Vaccination

    • Because tuberculosis is uncommon in the United States, vaccination is rarely implemented. However, vaccination is given to infants in developing countries. Bacille Calmette-Guérin is given to travelers to countries where tuberculosis is more prevalent. Vaccination can give a positive test result for tuberculosis, but this is because of the immune system developing antibodies to the bacteria.

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