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Who Is Affected by Tuberculosis?

Evidence suggests that tuberculosis has plagued mankind since about 4,000 B.C. From radiation to chemotherapy, varied treatments failed to quell epidemics. In 1944, Selman A. Waksman introduced the first successful antibiotic. From that time on, drug therapy has been the primary weapon in the battle against tuberculosis. But as with most infectious diseases, knowledge and prevention are still the best cure.

  1. Basic Facts

    • Tuberculosis, or TB, is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Typically, the bacteria attacks the lungs, but there are cases of the disease infecting the kidneys, spine and brain. TB is an airborne bacteria. It spreads when bacteria is released from the lungs of infected people when they cough, sneeze or speak. It is not spread through contact. In fact, the CDC says that even kissing or sharing toothbrushes will not spread the disease. If left untreated, TB is fatal.

    Weak Immune Systems

    • People whose immune systems are compromised, such as HIV patients, are at much higher risk of developing TB than are those whose immune systems are normal. Babies and young children, as well as adults with other health concerns such as diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis and low body weight, are also at higher risk of developing the disease if they come in contact with Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

    Minority Populations

    • According to the CDC, minority populations in the United States are at greater risk than Caucasians of contracting tuberculosis. Of citizens born within the United States, minorities accounted for 83 percent of all TB cases in 2007. Among them, African-Americans were reported to have the highest rate of infection at 45 percent. Of citizens born outside the United States, Asians accounted for 43 percent of TB infections in 2007, and Latinos accounted for 38 percent.

    Infection in Prisons

    • According to the Prison Policy Initiative, the majority of U.S. prisoners are African-American and Latino. Because these populations have a higher incidence of TB, the CDC says prisoners and the staff of correctional facilities are at high risk of contracting TB.

    International Travelers

    • Because tuberculosis is more prevalent in foreign countries, international travelers risk contracting the disease. The CDC cautions travelers with HIV to take extra precautions. The agency also cautions travelers who are going to foreign countries to work or volunteer in hospitals, clinics, prisons or homeless shelters to be informed about TB and suggests they read the World Health Organization's booklet, "Tuberculosis and Air Travel" (see Resources).

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