Some people may carry tuberculosis infection for many, many years before developing tuberculosis disease. Others may have a tuberculosis infection, yet never develop tuberculosis disease. Those persons who do develop tuberculosis disease, will experience signs and symptoms of tuberculosis. (Read What is the Difference Between Tuberculosis Disease & Tuberculosis Infection)
It is believed that the strength of the immune system determines whether a tuberculosis infection develops into tuberculosis disease. People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, are more susceptible to developing tuberculosis disease.
Unlike tuberculosis infection, tuberculosis disease is contagious. This is because the Mycobacterium that causes the disease is active. People infected with tuberculosis disease may experience any of the following signs and symptoms:
If you are experiencing any of the above signs and symptoms of tuberculosis, see your doctor immediately.
Testing for Tuberculosis
How Tuberculosis Infection Occurs
What is the Difference Between Tuberculosis Disease & Tuberculosis Infection?
