TB Infection
 What is TB infection?
A person with TB infection has breathed TB bacteria
into his/her lungs. Sometimes the immune system is
able to kill the TB bacteria. If the person's immune
system is unable to kill the bacteria, then this
person has TB infection. A person with TB infection
does not feel sick and cannot spread TB to others.
However, they may progress to TB
disease in the future, especially if their
immune system weakens. Treatment of TB
infection can prevent TB disease.
Adults with TB infection have about a 10 % chance of
developing TB
disease during their lifetime. If their
immune system is weakened (serious illness, diabetes,
poor eating habits, heavy drinking), the TB bacteria
may become active and cause TB disease. People with
both TB and HIV
infection have a much greater chance of
developing TB
disease.
How do I know if I have TB infection?
People with TB infection do not feel sick and may not
know they have been exposed to TB. Having a
TB skin
test is the best way to find out if you have
been infected.
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