Yes, tuberculosis (TB) can be passed from one person to another under certain conditions.
How TB Spreads
According to the provided reference, active TB disease in the lungs or throat is infectious. This means that the bacteria can spread to other people.
Here's a breakdown of how TB transmission occurs:
- Airborne Transmission: TB is primarily spread through the air when a person with active TB disease coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings, releasing microscopic droplets containing the TB bacteria.
- Infectious Type: Only TB that is located in the lungs or throat is typically considered infectious. TB in other parts of the body, such as the kidney or spine, is generally not contagious.
- Close Contacts: Individuals with active TB are most likely to transmit the bacteria to those they spend time with regularly.
Key Factors in TB Transmission
Several factors influence the likelihood of TB transmission:
- Type of TB Disease: Active TB in the lungs or throat is infectious, whereas TB in other areas of the body is usually not.
- Frequency of Contact: People who spend significant time with someone who has infectious TB are at a higher risk of contracting the disease.
- Exposure Environment: Poorly ventilated spaces can increase the risk of airborne transmission.
What You Should Know
Here's a table to summarize what makes TB contagious:
| Type of TB | Infectious? |
|---|---|
| Active TB in lungs or throat | Yes |
| TB in other parts of the body (kidney, spine, etc.) | Generally No |
Therefore, the contagious nature of TB depends largely on its location within the body and if the disease is active.
