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TB Pamphlet
TB Pamphlet
Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial disease that is spread from person to person through the air. TB usually affects the lungs. The bacteria are put into the air when a person with TB of the lungs coughs, sneezes, laughs or sings. TB can also affect other parts of the body, such as the brain, the kidney or the spine.
Pulmonary TB Disease
1. Positive Tuberculin test 2. Abnormal chest X-ray 3. Usually symptoms such as cough, weight loss, fever, fatigue are present 4. May be contagious 5. Curable by treatment with several medications in addition to INH taken for 6-12 months in most cases
BCG Vaccination
The BCG vaccine (Bacillus of Calmette and Guerin) is not proven protection against TB. People who have had a BCG vaccine and have no record of ever having a Mantoux PPD TB test are required to have a Mantoux PPD skin test if it is a requirement for school or work. BCG vaccination generally does not result in a large positive skin test. If a TB skin test is positive, prior BCG vaccination is not considered an adequate explanation. The Centers of Disease Control recommends that BCG vaccinated persons who have a positive reaction to the TB skin test should have a chest x-ray to see if active TB is present.
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Remember:
If a person with proof of a positive skin test reaction has symptoms of TB, or is in close contact with someone who has an active case of tuberculosis, s/he should not have a skin test but should have a chest x-ray and exam. If a person with proof of a positive skin test reaction is required to have TB testing for school or work, s/he should not have a skin test but should follow the requirements of the school or agency.
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