Tuberculosis, or “TB,” has been a hot topic in the news lately since the scare a few weeks ago with an American gentleman infected with TB flying back through Canada on his way home from his European honeymoon. Worse yet, he has a drug-resistant form of TB (XDR-TB). Tuberculosis is an extremely contagious infection of the lungs that is curable. It used to be called the “consumption,” because it seemed to consume people from the inside out. Unfortunately 1.6 million people die each year from it according to the World Health Organization (WHO). One person every second is being infected with TB world-wide. People who are immunocompromised, like those with HIV infection, are at increased risk of TB. It is also more common in developing countries.

Tuberculosis is caused by the bacterium, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and it most commonly targets the lungs. It can also infect the central nervous system, the lymphatic system, circulatory system, bones, joints, genitals, and skin. Not everyone who is infected with TB develops symptoms, and in fact, most people do not. This is referred to as a “latent infection,” and one in ten latent infections turn into “active infections.” Unfortunately half of the people with active TB will die from it.

Symptoms of TB include a bloody cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain. There is usually fever, chills, weight-loss, and night sweats. These last four are referred to as “constitutional symptoms,” and are not unique to TB, being common in many chronic and serious illnesses.

Spread of TB can only happen from a person with active TB. People with latent TB are not contagious. It is spread via aerosol droplets, meaning that any coughing can spray the bacteria into the air, and then if someone is to breathe the bacteria in, they can become infected as well. After two weeks of treatment, people with active TB are no longer contagious, as long as the bacteria are not resistant to the medications used.

Treatment with TB is usually very simple and straightforward as it responds nicely to antibiotics. Unfortunately there are drug-resistant strains developing. These require more expensive and longer treatments. There is a vaccine for TB that is still used in many countries like South Africa where TB is common. The BCG vaccine is not often used in North America unless strict criteria are met.

Tuberculosis is a frightening disease, especially because it is so contagious and can be deadly. Fortunately it is not common in North America. If you were to have been in contact with someone who has active TB, such as the gentleman on the plane, it is unlikely that you were infected unless you were sitting in the same section as he was and he was actively coughing. See your doctor and a simple TB skin test can be done to check for any infection.