Facts About Tuberculosis (TB)

Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB bacteria attacks several parts of the body, including the kidney, spine, and brain, but most commonly, the lungs. The two conditions related to Tuberculosis are Latent TB infection (LTBI) and TB disease. TB disease can be fatal if not properly treated.

Symptoms of TB disease:

• bad cough lasting more than 3 weeks
• chest pain
• coughing up blood or phlegm
• fatigue/weakness
• weight loss
• lack of appetite
• chills
• fever
• sweating at night

Not everyone who has latent TB infection develops TB disease but there is still a risk. Some people are at a higher risk than others.
People at high risk for TB disease include:

• People with HIV infection
• People infected by TB bacteria (within the last two years)
• Babies and young children
• People who inject illegal drugs
• Elderly people
• People who were not treated for TB in the past

For additional information on TB, TB Disease, and LTBI, click the link below:

https://www.cdc.gov/tb/topic/basics/default.htm