When people said "turning to active TB," how does one define "active TB"? Is it necessary for active TB to show symptoms, or is it possible for one to have active, contagious TB without any symptoms? I read about the news on Andrew Speaker from last year and thought of that. He didn't seem to have any apparent symptoms when he was quarantined, did he? Thanks!
Infectious Diseases - 1 Answers
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Hello, Tuberculosis is usually a 'chronic' disease, meaning that it lasts for a long time at a low level of activity. An 'acute' illness is one that starts suddenly, lasts a short time, and then you're either better or dead <g> In the lungs, TB causes cavities in the lung tissue. More accurately, it causes a large soft lump in the lung, and you then cough up the soft contents, - - leaving a cavity where the lump used to be. It's possible for the body to overcome the TB germ, but for there to be residual structural damage (like cavities) inside which TB can multiply at a low level, - - or where TB spores can hide, and then break out again when the patient's resistance is weak. 'Active' does imply 'infectious or contagious to other people,' but the patient does not necessarily have to be showing symptoms. You can't be contagious if your TB isn't 'active,' by definition really. I hope this is of some help. Best wishes, Belliger (retired uk gp
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