What is tuberculosis cdc

TB is preventable and, in most cases, treatable. Infection control practices can help reduce the risk of TB transmission. Treatment of persons with latent TB infection can prevent the subsequent development of active TB, and TB disease can usually be cured by available anti-TB drugs. Even persons with drug-resistant strains can often be cured by alternative regimens of medications. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link.

Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Minus Related Pages. Overview Transmission of tuberculosis TB is a risk in healthcare and other congregate settings where many people share the same space for extended periods of time. Respiratory Protection.

The only sign of TB infection is a positive reaction to the tuberculin skin test or TB blood test. Persons with latent TB infection are not infectious and cannot spread TB infection to others. About half of those people who develop TB will do so within the first two years of infection. For persons whose immune systems are weak, especially those with HIV infection, the risk of developing TB disease is considerably higher than for persons with normal immune systems.

In some people, TB bacteria overcome the defenses of the immune system and begin to multiply, resulting in the progression from latent TB infection to TB disease. Some people develop TB disease soon after infection, while others develop TB disease later when their immune system becomes weak.

Persons with TB disease are considered infectious and may spread TB bacteria to others. If TB disease is suspected, persons should be referred for a complete medical evaluation. If it is determined that a person has TB disease, therapy is given to treat it. TB disease is a serious condition and can lead to death if not treated. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link.

What are the side effects of TB disease medicines? Why do I need to take TB medicines for so long? Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link. Tuberculosis TB. Section Navigation.

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate.