Health Information

Tuberculosis

What is it?

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection caused by a tiny germ called "Mycobacterium tuberculosis." TB can affect any part of the body but usually affects the lungs. If a person who has Active TB Disease in their lungs can cough, sneeze or shout the TB bacteria (germs) spray into the air. Another person may breathe the bacteria into his/her lungs. Most people who breathe in the TB bacteria are able to stop it from growing because their body's immune system controls it. The bacteria remain alive but not growing. This is called inactive or Latent TB Infection (LTBI).

People with Latent TB Infection are not sick and cannot spread TB to others. Some people, who are otherwise healthy, (about 10%) with LTBI may go on to develop Active TB Disease if their immune system cannot stop the TB bacteria from growing. A person with Active TB Disease often feels sick and may infect others.

UHN Resources

UHN Brochures and Pamphlets

• Active Tuberculosis
• How to Collect a Sputum Sample
• Latent Tuberculosis Infection
  
• Medication Fact Sheets

  Ethambutol	Levofloxacin
  Pyrazinamide (PZA)	Rifampin

• TB Treatment Plan
• TWH Tuberculosis Clinic

UHN Clinics or Centres

• Pulmonary Rehabilitation Clinic
• Respirology/Chest Clinics
• Tuberculosis Clinic

Related Web Sites

• About Tuberculosis - Canadian Lung Association
  This resource explains the biology of tuberculosis and the way in which we deal with it.
• TB in other Languages - Canadian Lung Association
  Basic tuberculosis information in languages other than English.
• Canadian Tuberculosis Standards 5th Edition
  The text is aimed primarily at the non-specialist physician and public health nurse.
• Stop TB Canada
  An initiative to support Canada's commitment to reduce global TB through advocacy, education, coordination, and communication.
• Tuberculosis - Merck Manual Second Home Edition
  Discover in-depth information on tuberculosis.