Tuberculosis, also known as TB, is an infection that is caused by the bacteria known as Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. This infection affects the respiratory system but can also affect the spine, kidneys and brain. TB has two versions: Latent TB and TB disease.
TB is spread by coughing, speaking, sneezing and singing. Contrary to beliefs, TB cannot be spread by kissing.
Latent TB is when a person has been infected with the bacteria, but his body is able to keep the bacteria from growing and becomes dormant. This type of TB presents no symptoms and is not contagious.
TB disease is the condition when a person has been infected with the bacteria and his body is unable to keep the bacteria from multiplying. The bacteria will continue to grow and will cause the him to become sick. Symptoms of TB disease is coughing that lasts more than 3 weeks and pain in the chest as well as fever. During this time, he must seek medical attention in order to treat the disease. He must also refrain from being around anyone because this version of TB is highly contagious.
The only way that the TB bacteria can be spread is by someone who is suffering from TB disease. Those with latent TB cannot spread the infection unless it develops into the disease.
When someone coughs who is active with TB disease, the bacteria that has been growing inside of the lungs is projected out into the air. Once this bacteria is breathed in by an uninfected person, the TB bacteria will begin to multiply. If she has a weak immune system, such as someone with HIV, her body may not be able to defend off the bacteria. If this occurs, she will start having symptoms of TB and will likely be diagnosed with TB disease.
If she, however, has a strong immune system, the bacteria will be fought off and any active strands will become dormant. This is when she is considered to be infected with lLatent TB. Although this infection is not contagious, it will be detected by a TB test (a small injection is made under the skin and if a reaction occurs, the test is considered positive) or specialized blood tests. Symptoms are rare with this form. Although if a person infected with latent TB becomes ill or her immune system is weakened, the dormant Mycobacterium Tuberculosis bacteria may become active and overpower the immune system. This will change the diagnosis to TB disease.
