Myths About Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs. Tuberculosis can cause death if it is left untreated. There are a number of myths regarding tuberculosis because it is such a widespread disease.

Genetics

• Tuberculosis disease is not inherited. It is caused by an infection of different mycobacteria. The mycobacteria spread from person to person through the air.

Types

• A person with a tuberculosis infection will not necessarily develop tuberculosis disease. Tuberculosis infection is not contagious. People with tuberculosis infection do not exhibit the signs and symptoms of tuberculosis disease.

Class

• Tuberculosis is not limited to people belonging to less affluent families. Anyone coming in contact with the tuberculosis bacteria will become infected, irrespective of class.

Diagnosis

• A positive TB test does not mean that you have tuberculosis disease; it means that you are infected. A chest x-ray is needed to determine if you have the disease. People infected by tuberculosis also need to take antibiotics so the infection doesn't develop into tuberculosis disease.

Smoking

• Tuberculosis is not caused by smoking. Heavy smokers are at a high risk of developing lung cancer but tuberculosis is caused by a bacterial infection.