Our program is dedicated to preventing, diagnosing, and treating TB in the community. We offer comprehensive services including screening, testing, treatment, and education to manage and control the spread of TB. Our goal is to ensure early detection and provide effective treatment to those affected. For more information and resources, explore our page and learn how we work to keep our community healthy and TB-free.
Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a germ that spreads from person to person through the air. TB usually affects the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body, such as the brain, the kidneys, or the spine. A person with TB disease can die if they do not get treatment.
TB germs go into the air when a person with TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings. These germs can stay in the air for several hours, depending on the environment. People who breathe in the air containing these TB germs can become infected. This is called TB infection (also known as latent TB infection). If untreated, TB infection can become TB disease.
Difference Between TB Infection and TB Disease
People with TB infection have TB germs in their bodies, but they are not sick because the germs are not active. These people do not have symptoms of TB disease and they cannot spread the germs to others. But, they may develop TB disease in the future. They are often prescribed treatment to prevent them from developing TB disease.
Symptoms of TB Disease
People with TB disease can spread the germs to others. They must take treatment for the disease to get better so they cannot spread TB to other people.
People with TB disease may have symptoms such as:
TB Infections | TB Disease |
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Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs but can spread to other parts of the body. TB spreads through the air when a person with active TB disease in the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, or speaks.
TB is spread through the air when someone with active TB disease of the lungs or throat releases the bacteria by coughing, sneezing, speaking, or singing. People nearby can breathe in the bacteria and become infected. TB is not spread by shaking hands, sharing food or drink, or touching surfaces.
People with latent TB infection have TB bacteria in their body, but their immune system is keeping it under control, so they are not contagious and do not feel sick. However, they can develop active TB disease if their immune system weakens. People with active TB disease have symptoms and can spread the bacteria to others.
Common symptoms of active TB disease include a persistent cough that lasts for more than three weeks, chest pain, coughing up blood, fatigue, fever, night sweats, loss of appetite, and unexplained weight loss. If you experience these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention.
A Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) is a method used to determine if a person has been infected with TB bacteria. A small amount of tuberculin is injected into the skin of the lower arm, and the area is checked for a reaction after 48-72 hours. A raised, firm bump at the injection site may indicate TB infection.
An Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) is a blood test that measures the immune system's response to TB bacteria. Unlike the TST, it does not require multiple visits to the healthcare provider, and it is not affected by prior Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination. IGRA is often preferred for people who have received the BCG vaccine.
TB testing is recommended for people who have been in close contact with someone with active TB, those who have traveled to or lived in countries with high TB prevalence, people with weakened immune systems, and individuals at higher risk of TB due to certain medical conditions or occupations.
If you have a positive TB test (TST or IGRA), your healthcare provider may recommend further evaluation with a chest X-ray and a review of your medical history to determine if you have active TB disease. Additional testing may be needed to confirm a diagnosis, and treatment may be necessary to prevent the development of active TB.
TB is treated with a combination of antibiotics taken over a course of several months. Treatment duration and medications depend on whether the person has latent TB infection or active TB disease. It is crucial to follow the treatment plan prescribed by a healthcare provider to fully eliminate the bacteria and prevent the spread of TB.
TB can be prevented by taking prescribed medication for latent TB infection, getting tested if you are at risk, and ensuring that people with active TB disease receive proper treatment to stop the spread of the bacteria. In some cases, the BCG vaccine may be administered to provide limited protection against TB, though it is not widely used in the United States.
Treating TB disease generally requires many medications given for six to nine months. Treating people with drug-resistant TB requires different medications. Patients may be on these medications for up to a year or even two years.
TB infection can be treated using shorter course medication regimens for a shorter amount of time. To cure the infection, you must take all the medication prescribed
TB clinics treat TB disease through directly observed therapy (DOT). DOT involves a health care worker (HCW) meeting with the patient on the days when medication is prescribed. The HCW watches the patient take their medication. This helps to make sure the person is cured of TB and allows the TB nurse or HCW to closely monitor the person for medication side effects. DOT is required for every person in Texas with known or suspected active TB disease and is recommended for children under age five with known or suspected TB infection.
