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Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by an airborne bacteria that can attach itself to any part of the body, but most often attacks the lungs. TB can be fatal. However, not everyone who catches it becomes sick or is contagious, unless the infection turns into the TB disease. TB becomes active when the body's immune system is unable to stop the bacteria from growing. When TB is active in the throat or lungs, it is highly contagious.

Since the body's ability to control the bacteria from growing is the key in fighting off TB disease, it follows that anyone with a weak immune system is at greater risk of infection. Categories of people with weaker immune systems include:

1. Babies and children
2. HIV-infected individuals
3. Substance abusers
4. Persons with cancer of the head or neck
5. Diabetics
6. Underweight or malnourished individuals
7. Persons with leukemia
8. Individuals with Hodgkin's Disease
9. Corticosteroid users
10. Organ transplant recipients
11. Persons with Rheumatoid Arthritis
12. Persons with silicosis
13. Homeless individuals
14. Crohn's Disease sufferers
15. Elderly persons

Others who have increased risk of infection, but not necessarily the disease are:
1. Those living in areas with high rates of TB disease
2. Health care workers or nursing home workers
3. Persons who live or work with someone infected
4. International travelers
5. Nursing home patients
6. Shelter or refuge residents
7. Persons with poor access to medical care

Again, it is not always necessary that someone be in one of these categories for TB bacteria to become active. There are many other reasons why a person's immune system could be unable to fight off growth of the potentially deadly bacteria. It could be that you are just getting over a virus, like a cold, when you are exposed to TB bacteria. It could be that your immune system is not working up to par because of stress or lack of sleep. Whatever the reason, everyone is at risk at some point in their life or another.

Of course, you must come into contact with someone who has active TB bacteria and they must pass the bacteria through the air to you by talking, singing, laughing, coughing or sneezing. Typically, repeated or prolonged exposure is necessary to get the infection. Most often, people get TB from family members, friends, or co-workers with whom they have spent a lot of time in close proximity. Remember, though, you can harbor the bacteria and not be sick or contagious. Sometimes, it isn't until later on, that something causes the infection to turn into the disease. The infection can be latent for years and then suddenly turn into the disease.

The good news is, though, TB is not as prevalent as it was in years past and it is treatable. Once a person is being treated, they are usually no longer contagious.
If you believe you have been exposed, have a cough that won't go away, or are coughing up blood please see a doctor immediately and request a TB test. If the test is positive, you will need to have a chest x-ray to confirm that you have the disease and not just the infection. Either way, though, your physician will need to start you on the appropriate treatment.

REFERENCES
http://www .cdc.gov/tb/faqs/qa_introducti on.htm#Intro1
http://www.lungus a.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E& b=35778
http://www.mayoclinic.c om/health/tuberculosis/DS00372 /DSECTION=4

Learn more about this author, Jennifer Paige.
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