Tuberculosis (TB) has three stages, not four, according to the provided reference. These stages are exposure, latent TB, and active TB disease.
Understanding the Stages of Tuberculosis
Here's a breakdown of each stage:
1. Exposure
- This is when you have been around someone who has active TB disease.
- During this stage, you have been exposed to the TB bacteria, but it does not necessarily mean you are infected.
- At this time, the bacteria has entered the body and there are no visible signs or symptoms.
- Testing for infection is often recommended if you’ve been in close contact with an individual who has TB.
2. Latent TB Infection
- At this stage, you are infected with the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, but you are not sick.
- The bacteria are alive but inactive in your body.
- You have no symptoms and are not contagious.
- You can have a positive result on a TB skin test or blood test.
- Latent TB can become active disease, so treatment is often recommended to prevent this.
3. Active TB Disease
- In this stage, the bacteria is actively multiplying in your body.
- You are sick, and you can spread the disease to others.
- You will experience symptoms like a persistent cough (often with blood), fever, night sweats, weight loss, and fatigue.
- You will have a positive test result (skin or blood), often including a chest x-ray.
- Treatment is necessary to cure the disease and prevent spread.
Diagnosis and Treatment
As mentioned in the reference, diagnosing TB often involves tests such as:
- TB skin test (also known as the Mantoux test).
- TB blood test (Interferon-Gamma Release Assay or IGRA).
Treatment for active TB disease involves a course of antibiotics, and the reference emphasizes that completing the treatment exactly as prescribed is essential to cure the disease and prevent its spread to others. In the case of latent TB, treatment is also recommended to prevent progression into active TB.
| Stage | Infection Status | Symptoms | Contagious? | Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exposure | Not infected yet | None | No | Testing often recommended |
| Latent TB | Infected | None | No | Recommended to prevent active disease |
| Active TB Disease | Infected | Present | Yes | Necessary for cure |
