Tuberculosis: Its Contagious Nature, Transmission Pathways, and Risk Factors
Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs, but can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. It's essential to understand the differences between active and latent TB infections, as they impact transmission and treatment.
Active TB is the contagious form of the disease, caused by bacteria that are actively multiplying and causing symptoms such as coughing. This form of TB spreads through respiratory droplets expelled when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks [1][2][3].
On the other hand, latent TB infection means that the bacteria are present but inactive, causing no symptoms and importantly, the person is not contagious in this state. The bacteria are dormant and contained by the immune system, so transmission to others does not occur unless it progresses to active, contagious disease [1][3].
Transmission typically requires prolonged close contact with someone who has active TB, as TB bacteria do not spread easily through casual or brief exposure [2][5].
When it comes to precautions, it's advisable to avoid close contact and spend time in well-ventilated areas when around someone with TB disease [4].
Fortunately, TB is curable with various treatments, which can last anywhere from 4 to 9 months, depending on the treatment option and the presence of drug-resistant strains. The two common treatments are the 4-month rifapentine-moxifloxacin TB treatment and the 6- or 9-month RIPE TB treatment. A person can discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each treatment option with a doctor to determine what treatment may be best for them [6].
Doctors diagnose TB through either a skin test or blood test. If a test shows TB infection, they may order an X-ray or sputum test to check for an active infection [6].
If the infection spreads to other areas of the body, symptoms will vary based on what part is affected. Other possible symptoms of TB can include weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, chills, night sweats, fever, and other signs of being unwell [4].
It's important to note that it's safe to be around someone with latent TB infection, as it is not transmissible. However, a person should contact a doctor if they have known exposure to someone with active TB disease [4].
In addition, the BCG vaccination for TB might benefit people at risk, such as those working in hospitals with possible exposure to drug-resistant strains of TB, children who live with or have exposure to adults with active TB disease, or those with ineffective treatment of the condition [4]. However, people with weakened immune systems or who are pregnant should not receive the BCG vaccination.
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Tuberculosis (TB) Basics. https://www.cdc.gov/tb/topic/basics/default.htm [2] World Health Organization. (2021). Tuberculosis. https://www.who.int/health-topics/tuberculosis#tab=tab_1 [3] National Health Service. (2021). Tuberculosis (TB). https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tuberculosis-tb/ [4] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Tuberculosis (TB). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tuberculosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20369166 [5] American Lung Association. (2021). Tuberculosis. https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/tuberculosis [6] American Lung Association. (2021). Diagnosing Tuberculosis (TB). https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/tuberculosis/diagnosis
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