Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attack the lungs, but TB bacteria can attack any part of the body such as the kidney, spine, and brain. Not everyone infected with TB bacteria becomes sick.
Some people develop TB disease soon after becoming infected (within weeks) before their immune system can fight the TB germs. Other people have latent TB infection and may get sick years later, when their immune system becomes weak for another reason. Treating latent TB infection is effective in preventing TB disease.
Tuberculosis Fact Sheet
Learn more about symptoms, transmission, testing, and treatment.
Services
DOH-Columbia provides skin testing for TB infection, medication for the disease or infection, and case management services, including monthly blood and vision tests, for those cases who have active TB disease. These services are available Monday through Friday during normal clinic hours.
Here are several common symptoms of active TB disease:
- Cough lasting longer than three (3) weeks
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Substantial weight loss
- “Night sweats”
TB Skin Tests
Anyone may be tested for TB, including adults, children, pregnant women, people with colds, and people who have had the Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) Vaccine. Skin tests cost $30, and are free to those who have had contact with a documented active TB case. After skin testing, you must return to the Health Department for a reading in 48 to 72 hours. The skin test area will be examined by a nurse, and a referral will be made if needed.
TB Blood Testing
TB blood testing or IGRA identifies the presence of TB infection by measuring a person’s immune response. Unllike the skin test, only one visit is required to obtain the blood sample to test for reaction. TB blood tests cost $30.
Treatment of TB Disease
TB is treated with a number of special antibiotics given over six to twelve months. The TB germs are very strong and slow to be killed. It is very important that persons infected with TB follow the medication schedule closely. Failure to follow the medication schedule could result in a more serious “drug resistant” TB condition.
To be treated by DOH-Columbia, have your private physician submit a referral. Our Health Department staff will order the needed medications, chest x-rays, and arrange for directly observed therapy, which is making sure TB patients take their medicine by having a staff member observe them either at the patient’s home or at the health clinic.