Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attack the lungs, but TB bacteria can attack any part of the body such as the kidney, spine, and brain. Not everyone infected with TB bacteria becomes sick. As a result, two TB-related conditions exist: latent TB infection (LTBI) and TB disease. If not treated properly, TB disease can be fatal.
Latent TB Infection
TB bacteria can live in the body without making you sick. This is called Latent TB infection. People with Latent TB infection:
- Have no symptoms
- Don’t feel sick
- Can’t spread the bacteria to other people
- Usually have a positive skin test reaction or blood test
Many people who develop latent TB infection never develop TB disease. In some people, especially those with a weakened immune system, the bacteria can become active, and cause TB disease.
Individuals with latent TB will have to go through a 3 month – 9 month drug regiment depending on recommendations from their healthcare provider.
Active TB Disease
TB bacteria become active if the immune system can’t stop them from growing. When TB bacteria are active (multiplying in your body), this is called TB disease. People with TB disease are sick. They may also be able to spread the bacteria to people they are around daily.
Many people who have latent TB infection never develop TB disease. Some people develop TB disease soon after becoming infected (within weeks) before their immune system can fight the TB bacteria. Other people may get sick years later when their immune system becomes weakened for other reasons.
For people whose immune systems are weak, especially those with HIV infection, the risk of developing TB disease is much higher than people with normal immune systems.
Individuals with active TB will take medicine for 4, 6, or 9 months depending on the regimen.
Symptoms of active TB disease include:
- A cough that lasts three weeks or longer
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood or sputum (phlegm from deep inside the lungs)
- Weakness or fatigue
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Chills
- Fever
- Night sweats
People with inactive TB do not have symptoms. However, without treatment, they can develop active TB disease and become sick.
Marion County Public Health can perform a TB skin test. There is a fee. Call our office at (641) 828-2238 to schedule an appointment.
If you would like someone to contact you, please fill out our contact form.
You can also call the Marion County Public Health Department at 641-828-2238.
