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Is TB Contagious? Everything To Know
Active tuberculosis (TB) disease can transmit from person to person, but latent TB infection is not contagious. Active TB typically transmits through droplets in the air.
The bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes TB. When active, it typically affects a person's lungs but can also spread to other areas of the body, such as the spine or kidneys.
Experts divide TB into two categories: inactive — or latent — TB infection and active TB disease. An inactive infection will not cause any symptoms and will not transmit from person to person. Active TB disease causes symptoms, may transmit to others, and may be fatal without treatment.
This article reviews how TB transmits, incubation periods, whether a person needs to isolate, and more.
TB transmits through the air only if a person has active TB disease, meaning they show signs of infection.
TB typically affects the lungs. It can transmit from one person to another when a person with active disease:
Once a person inhales the particles, the bacteria enter their lungs. They can also affect other areas of the body, including the kidneys, brain, or spine.
If TB spreads to the kidneys, spine, or brain, it is generally not transmissible to others. It is typically only infectious if it is in the throat or lungs.
How tuberculosis does not transmitA person cannot transmit TB in the following ways:
Learn more about TB.
A 2018 review found that the average reported incubation ranges between several months and 2 years.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that a person may develop an active TB infection within weeks of exposure, or it could take years before it develops into TB disease.
Others may never develop TB disease. When the condition develops, it is typically due to a weakened immune system.
A person with an inactive or latent TB infection does not need to isolate.
However, officials recommend isolation and taking safety precautions for people with active TB disease or those suspected of having TB. After treatment, or if tests rule out TB, they can typically return to their usual activities.
The CDC identifies two large groups of people at risk for TB. They include people recently exposed to TB infection and those with weakened immune systems.
People most at risk of active TB include:
In general, children and infants fall into the category of having a weaker immune system. Adults may have a weakened immune system due to underlying conditions, such as:
It may be possible to prevent latent TB infection from developing into TB disease.
A person with possible TB exposure should contact a primary care doctor or visit a health clinic. They can test for TB using either a skin or blood test. If they suspect TB disease, they may order additional testing, such as a chest X-ray or sputum sample.
A person known to have an inactive TB infection typically needs medication to prevent TB disease from developing later. Those with active TB disease will also require medication to treat the infection.
Other steps a person can take to reduce the risk of TB include:
People at risk may benefit from taking the BCG vaccination for TB. However, it is not in wide use in the United States due to low risk of exposure.
The CDC recommends its use for people working in hospitals or similar settings with possible exposure to drug-resistant strains of TB.
It may also benefit children who live with or have exposure to adults with active TB disease or ineffective treatment of the condition.
However, people with weakened immune systems or who are pregnant should not receive the vaccination.
Learn more about the BCG vaccine.
Symptoms of TB in the lungs can include:
If the infection spreads to other areas of the body, symptoms will vary based on what part is affected. Other possible symptoms of TB can include:
It is best for a person to contact a doctor if they have known TB exposure.
This may be due to traveling to another country with a high TB disease rate, working in a healthcare facility with possible exposure, or having close personal contact with those who have the disease.
Doctors can diagnose TB through either a skin test or blood test.
If a test shows TB infection, they may order an X-ray or sputum test to check for an active infection.
The two most common treatments for TB include the 4-month rifapentine-moxifloxacin TB treatment and the 6- or 9-month RIPE TB treatment.
A person can discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each treatment option with a doctor to determine what treatment may be best for them.
Here are some more common questions about TB.
Is it safe to be around someone with TB?A person should use precautions when around someone with TB disease. This can include avoiding close contact and spending time in well-ventilated areas.
Can TB be cured?There are various treatments for TB, which can last anywhere from 4–9 months to help resolve the condition. There are some drug-resistant strains, so a doctor will likely test for them before starting a treatment.
What happens if you have exposure to someone with TB?A person should contact a doctor if they have known exposure to someone with active TB disease. As latent TB infection is not transmissible, a person does not need to take action if they come into contact with someone with the inactive infection.
Tuberculosis (TB) is transmissible when a person has active TB disease. This means they will have symptoms that can include coughing, fever, and other signs of being unwell. TB transmits when bacteria enter the air. A person then breathes in the particles, which can then enter the lungs.
A person should strongly consider contacting a doctor if they suspect they have had exposure to TB. A medical professional can order tests and provide treatment if they show either an active or inactive TB infection.
Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Vs. Mycobacterium Avium Complex: A Comparison
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) are two distinct types of bacteria that can cause infections in the lungs and other parts of the body. Belonging to the same genus, Mycobacteria, they also share some features.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. Tuberculosis) is the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB), a global health concern and leading cause of death. TB spreads through inhalation of infected respiratory droplets from someone with active TB.
In contrast, the MAC consists of several related bacterial species, including Mycobacterium avium (M. Avium) and Mycobacterium intracellulare (M.Intracellulare), which are widespread in the environment. MAC infections typically occur when individuals with compromised immune systems or preexisting lung conditions come into contact with contaminated water, soil, or food.
Understanding the differences between these two mycobacterial infections is crucial for accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and prevention strategies.
This article explores some of the differences between M. Tuberculosis and the MAC.
MTB and MAC are diseases caused by mycobacteria but differ in several ways.
M. Tuberculosis causes TB and is a highly contagious respiratory infection, primarily affecting the lungs. Some symptoms of TB include:
In contrast, the MAC consists of several nontuberculous mycobacterial species, known as nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). The most prevalent species are M. Avium and M. Intracellulare. These species commonly exist in the water and soil.
MAC does not cause TB. The infections often target individuals with weakened immune systems or underlying lung conditions. Therefore, doctors consider it an opportunistic bacteria.
Furthermore, the MAC can affect various body systems, including:
Symptoms can vary depending on the site of infection. Doctors refer to these as nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) diseases.
MTB and MAC tend to share some characteristics, including:
There are key differences in some of the characteristics of M. Tuberculosis and MAC species.
M. Tuberculosis has a unique cell wall structure composed of mycolic acids, contributing to its potential to become resistant to certain antibiotics. This can make treating TB difficult.
The MAC is a group of closely related mycobacterial species that share similar characteristics and cause similar infections. The genomes of MAC species are large, containing thousands of genes involved in various cellular processes and adaptations to different environments.
Also, MAC bacteria are environmental organisms commonly found in soil, dust, water sources, and in domestic and wild animals. They have adapted to survive in various conditions.
TB spreads from person to person and can affect anyone. A person acquires TB by inhaling respiratory droplets from another person with active TB. These droplets contain the bacteria, allowing the infection to spread when individuals breathe them in.
In contrast, MAC spreads through environmental exposure to the bacteria. The MAC has been found in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Infections usually occur because of compromised immune systems, such as those with AIDS, chronic lung diseases, or other factors.
Doctors take different approaches when treating TB and the MAC.
The standard treatment for active TB consists of a combination of several antibiotics for 6–9 months. First-line drugs include:
Drug resistance is a concern because treatment may not always be effective. Therefore, a typical course may require additional medications and a longer duration if drug-resistant strains are causing infection.
Similarly, doctors often find MAC infections challenging to treat due to the inherent resistance of the bacteria to many commonly used antibiotics. They may prescribe double or triple therapy with macrolide or aminoglycoside antibiotics.
DurationTreatment duration for MAC infections is generally longer, and a doctor only considers a person cured once samples show no sign of disease for at least 12 months. Therefore, close monitoring and regular follow-ups with healthcare providers are crucial to ensure effective treatment outcomes.
Differentiating between TB and MAC infections requires a comprehensive diagnostic approach. It involves various tests and clinical evaluations. Doctors consider several factors, including a person's medical history, symptoms, and risk factors, to diagnose accurately.
TestsThere are two main tests to detect TB infection:
Learn more about the BCG vaccine.
When combined with other tests, such as imaging tests or other diagnostic examinations, the TB skin and blood tests can help healthcare providers determine the presence of TB infection and guide appropriate management.
When considering MAC infections, doctors make a clinical assessment and may use imaging tests. Laboratory testing is also beneficial. It involves collecting samples, such as blood, sputum, or tissue samples, from the affected site and performing cultures or molecular tests to identify the disease-causing species.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) are bacteria that cause different infections. Both belong to the genus Mycobacteria. M. Tuberculosis causes TB, which primarily spreads through the inhalation of infected respiratory droplets.
In contrast, the MAC consists of several related bacterial species, including Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium intracellulare. Typically, infections occur when people with compromised immune systems or underlying lung conditions come into contact with contaminated water, soil, or food.
Understanding the differences between these infections is essential for accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and effective prevention strategies. By addressing these infections promptly and comprehensively, doctors can mitigate their impact on individuals and communities.
QIAGEN (QGEN) Publishes New Data On QuantiFERON TB Testing
QIAGEN QGEN recently made progress in tuberculosis (TB) testing. The company announced that a new, systematic review of the clinical relevance of test values from the company's proprietary tuberculosis (TB) testing technology has been published.
More specifically, the study showed that the company's proprietary QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus test is unique in the market with two primary blood collection tubes — TB1 and TB2. This technology enables the detection of responsive CD4 T-cells in TB1 and, additionally, CD8 T-cell responses in TB2.
A Few More Words on QuantiFERONQuantiFERON is an Interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) blood test that is claimed to be a superior alternative to the tuberculin skin test.
Universitas Padjadjaran, Indonesia conducted this meta-analysis on QuantiFERON testing and it was published in Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (CCLM). The systematic review was based on 17 studies and included 4,050 subjects. Per QIAGEN, it showed a higher level of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) production in the QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus TB2 tube compared to the TB1 tube. This confirms the crucial role of CD8 T-cells in a broad immune assessment of TB infection.
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Further, the study showed the potential benefit of the TB2 tube for CD8 detection in certain high-risk populations like immunocompromised patients, especially those having CD4 T-cell deficiency.
Strategic Significance and Market ProspectTB is a contagious bacterial infection that spreads primarily through the coughing of patients with the active pulmonary form of the disease. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were more than 10 million new cases of active TB worldwide and 1.6 million deaths from TB in 2021.
According to QIAGEN, to prevent the spread of TB in the United States and many European countries, as well as in other developed and emerging markets around the world, detection in high-risk individuals is crucial. Also, TB tests play a vital role in achieving the World Health Organization's ambitious EndTB strategy goals, particularly in reducing TB-related deaths by 90% by 2030 compared to 2015 levels.
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The latest favorable outcome from the systematic review on QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus confirms further exploration of the role of patient stratification with this testing. It also validates QIAGEN's broader strategy of continual investment and improvement of the company's diagnostic products.
Recent Progress With Test MenuQIAGEN is progressing well with its testing menu expansion strategy.
In April 2023, QIAGEN announced that the QIAstat-Dx syndromic testing solution is expected to be available soon for use in Japan with a SARS-CoV-2 Respiratory Panel that can detect more than 20 pathogens from a single patient sample. It is expected to be available in Japan in mid-2023 after decisions on reimbursement levels and marks the next step after the recent granting of IVD approval for the test. The entry into Japan will add to more than 100 countries worldwide.
In March 2023, QIAGEN's QIAxcel Connect won the prestigious Red Dot award. With this, QIAxcel became the fourth QIAGEN instrument to receive the Red Dot award. It highlights the company's strategy of upgrading its portfolio to add new features, particularly wireless connectivity. QIAxcel Connect automates the analysis of the size and quality of isolated DNA and RNA. It combines ease of use, high capability, flexible throughput and economy in a single instrument.
The same month, QIAGEN announced that it would sell its premium enzymes as standalone solutions to provide academics and corporate clients the freedom to create their tests and processes. Since then, QIAGEN has evolved into a one-stop shop for all research requirements, offering services for sample preparation, automation and bioinformatics.
In January 2023, QIAGEN launched EZ2 Connect MDx for use in diagnostic laboratories. The same month, QIAGEN announced the enhanced QIAGEN CLC Genomics Workbench Premium that removes the data analysis bottleneck of next-generation sequencing by adding game-changing analysis speed to analyze and interpret whole genome sequencing, whole exome sequencing and large panel sequencing data.
Share Price PerformanceShares of the company have gained 6.6% in a year compared with the industry's 0.9% rise.
Zacks Rank and Key PicksCurrently, QIAGEN carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Some better-ranked stocks in the overall healthcare sector are Penumbra PEN, Lantheus LNTH and Haemonetics HAE. While Penumbra and Lantheus each sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), Haemonetics carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Penumbra's stock has risen 181.6% in the past year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Penumbra's earnings per share (EPS) has remained constant at $1.56 for 2023 and $2.56 for 2024 in the past 30 days.
PEN's earnings beat estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 109.42%. In the last reported quarter, the company registered an earnings surprise of 109.09%.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Lantheus' 2023 EPS has remained constant at $5.60 in the past 30 days. Shares of the company have improved 47.9% in the past year against the industry's 19.5% decline.
LNTH's earnings beat estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 25.77%. In the last reported quarter, the company recorded an earnings surprise of 13.95%.
Estimates for Haemonetics' EPS have increased from $3.43 to $3.55 for 2023 in the past 30 days. Shares of the company have increased 37.3% in the past year against the industry's 19.5% decline.
HAE's earnings beat estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 12.21%. In the last reported quarter, Haemonetics delivered an earnings surprise of 13.24%.
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