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TUBERCULOSIS (TB): LATENT INFECTION & DISEASE

Tuberculosis (TB) is a curable disease caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It usually attacks the lungs but can affect other parts of the body, including the spine, kidneys, and brain.

Types of TB

Not everyone infected with TB bacteria becomes sick. As a result, two types of TB conditions exist: LATENT TB infection and TB Disease.

LATENT TB INFECTION

Latent TB Infection, also called TB Infection or “Sleeping TB”, happens when TB bacteria stay inactive in your body. You don’t feel sick, have no symptoms, and cannot spread TB to others. However, the bacteria can “wake up” at any time and turn into TB Disease, which can make you sick and contagious.

What are the tests for Latent TB Infection?

TB tests check for TB bacteria in your body. They can involve a small needle on the skin (TST) and/or a blood test (IGRA). TST is the most common test used for TB. It requires two visits, 48–72 hours apart.

What is the treatment for Latent TB Infection?

If tests, confirm Latent TB Infection, the most common treatment is one medicine (2 pills, taken every day for 4 months). Taking all the medicine and treating Latent TB Infection is important to prevent it from becoming TB Disease.

What are some treatment tips and possible side effects?

TB can be cured with medication. Learning that you have TB infection or active TB disease can feel overwhelming, but you are not to blame. Your healthcare provider will guide you through the process and ensure you receive the right care and support.

Tips

Use a weekly pill box.
Set a daily alarm or calendar reminder on your phone.
Time it with a regular daily activity in your life.
Medication is best taken on an empty stomach. If it causes stomach upset, a light snack (crackers, yogurt, or glass of milk) can help.

Possible side effects

Your urine may turn orange. This is a normal side effect. It does not mean something is wrong.
In rare situations, a person could experience liver complications.
Most people have few to no other symptoms during treatment.

TB DISEASE

TB Disease, also called Active TB, occurs when the TB bacteria multiply and make a person sick. TB Disease can develop fast after breathing in TB bacteria or even years later. If not treated properly, TB can cause severe illness and may be deadly. A person with TB Disease can be contagious and spread the infection to others.

How does TB Disease spread?

TB Disease spreads through the air when TB bacteria are in the lungs or throat. Coughing, speaking, or singing releases bacteria that others can breathe in.

People with TB are most likely to infect those they spend regular time with in closed spaces, especially those they live with.

TB does not spread by shaking someone’s hand, sharing food or drink, touching bed linens or toilets seats, sharing toothbrushes, kissing.

What are common symptoms of TB Disease?

Bad cough that lasts 3 weeks or longer

Fever

Sweating at night

Poor appetite and weight loss

What is the treatment for TB Disease

Treatment is mandatory. Your healthcare team will follow and support you throughout the treatment.

Treatment includes 4 or more pills for 6 to 9 months.
People on treatment stop being contagious quickly.
You need to finish the full treatment to be cured.

STOP THE SPREAD OF TB

If you have symptoms of tuberculosis (TB) or think you may have been exposed, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Acting early helps stop the disease from spreading and significantly improves your chances of recovery.

Getting tested and treated quickly are key to protecting both your health and the health of the community.