Skip to main content

About Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infection caused by a slow-growing germ most often in the lungs. TB is not gone and we have this disease in BC.

There is good news! People with TB can be treated.


About TB

TB tree lungs.jpg

What is TB?

Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by a slow-growing bacterium (germ) called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB usually lives in the lungs, but it can be in any part of the body. Only some people who get TB become sick. 

There are 2 different types of TB: 

  1. latent TB infection (LTBI)
  2. active TB disease

Want to learn more? 

Read the HealthLinkBC file on TB in English, Chinese, Farsi, French, Korean, Punjabi, Spanish and Vietnamese. Watch the What is TB? video.

Click here to learn about COVID-19 & TB


How TB Spreads

TB is usually spread through the air from one person to another.  In order for this to happen a person must have active TB in their lungs that gets into the air through coughing, sneezing, laughing or singing.  Once TB is in the air another person can breathe it into their lungs.


When TB is in someone's lungs it can begin to grow. It can also move through the blood to other parts of the body. TB is usually only spread to others when it's in the lungs.

Types of TB

Latent TB infection

When someone breathes in the TB bacteria, their body usually starts fighting the bacteria and wins. In these people, the bacteria is still there but it doesn't make them sick. With latent TB a person does not have symptoms and they cannot spread TB to anyone else. The main problem with latent TB is that it can become active TB at any time.  

Handout: Latent TB Infection

English  Chinese  French  Korean  Punjabi  Spanish  Tagalog  Vietnamese 

Active TB disease

If someone has TB bacteria in their body and their body can’t fight it then it becomes active TB. This can happen right after breathing in the TB bacteria or years later. Once a person has active TB they become sick and can spread TB to others. Active TB disease can be deadly, but it can be treated and cured. 

Active TB usually lives in people’s lungs (pulmonary TB), but it can live anywhere in the body (extrapulmonary TB).  It can also live in more than one place at a time (disseminated TB).

Handout: Pulmonary TB 

Handout: Extrapulmonary TB

English  Chinese  French  Japanese  

Korean  Punjabi  Spanish  Tagalog  Vietnamese 

Signs & Symptoms

symptoms.PNG

Signs and symptoms of active TB depend on where in the body TB is located. They can begin gradually and worsen over time. Common signs and symptoms include: 

  • fevers, chills and night sweats
  • not hungry (loss of appetite) and unexplained weight loss
  • weakness or feeling very tired

Pulmonary TB

The most often TB will live in the lungs. Common signs and symptoms include:

  • A new or worse cough lasting longer than 3 weeks
  • Coughing up mucus (sputum), sometimes with blood
  • Trouble breathing and chest pain

Extrapulmonary TB

If TB lives outside of the lungs the signs and symptoms will depend on its location. Some examples include:

  • Glands: lumps in the neck
  • Bones: pain in the bones or back
  • Joints: pain, redness, swelling
  • Kidney: painful peeing (urination), cloudy pee (urine)
  • Brain: headaches, stiff neck, hurts to move head or eyes
  • Heart: hard to catch your breath, chest pain
  • Intestines: stomach pain and change in poop (stool, feces)

Latent to Active TB

infograph.jpg

Most people with latent TB will never develop active TB. Some people have a higher chance of developing active TB especially those that have a weakened immune system. Some examples include:

  • People who have developed latent TB in the past 2 years
  • Babies, young children, and the elderly
  • People with chronic health conditions such as HIV infection, cancer, chronic kidney disease, and diabetes
  • People who take medications that weaken their immune system
  • People who have taken medicines for TB in the past but it wasn't done right. Examples are not getting the right medicines or not taking the medicines for long enough

Some people with TB can spread it to others and need to stay home. Home isolation means staying at home and avoiding contact with others. Read the HealthLinkBC file on home isolation for TB in English, Chinese, Farsi, French, Korean, Punjabi, Spanish and Vietnamese. 

TB in BC

Many people living in BC have never heard of TB. Others have heard of it, but think that it doesn't exist here. BC has about 250 - 300 new diagnoses of active TB disease each year. The majority of people with active TB were born outside of Canada, but anyone can get it. We publish annual reports about TB in BC. 

Want to learn more? Read our TB Reports and watch the How common is TB? video.

Get Tested

iStock-496579044.jpgGet Tested

When to test

There are a wide variety of reasons why you may need to have TB screening. Visit your health care provider for a check-up if you have symptoms of TB disease or want to know if you have latent TB infection. Your health care provider will ask health questions and order any needed tests. 

Reasons for TB screening:

  • you have signs or symptoms of active TB
  • you were in contact with someone who has TB in their lungs that can spread from person to person
  • you work or volunteer in health care
  • you have health conditions such as HIV infection, cancer, chronic kidney disease, or diabetes
  • you have a low or weakened immune system from immunosuppressive medications
  • you are living in a communal setting such as a shelter, corrections, or a treatment program

What to expect with TB Screening

  • There are different types of tests that look for TB. 
  • The type of test is chosen based on your health history and sometimes a body (physical) exam.
  • For most people TB screening is free, but it depends on the reason for and type of TB test(s).

TB skin test

Where to get a TB skin test

  • The BCCDC TB clinic in New Westminster and Vancouver are one option for completing TB screening for school, work or volunteering.
  • The BCCDC TB Clinics have limited capacity to schedule appointments for TB screening related to school, work or volunteering.
  • In BC, it is best to contact your local health unit and ask about TB skin testing in your area. Travel clinics, some pharmacies and doctor's offices provide TB skin tests.
  • For many people TB skin tests are free, but it depends on the reason for the test. 
  • There is often a charge (cost) for TB skins tests for school, work or volunteering.

What is a TB skin test?

The tuberculin skin test shows whether or not you have the TB bacteria in your body. It is the most common test used for TB. The test cannot tell the difference between latent or active TB. This a two part test with two appointments 48 to 72 hours apart. 

First Visit

A health care provider will inject a small amount of fluid (called tuberculin) into the lower part of your arm. 

Second Visit 

At the second appointment, a health care provider will read your body's reaction to the fluid on the lower part of your arm.

  • negative TB skin test usually means that you do not have TB in your body. Most people do not need further testing. 
  • positive TB skin test means you might have TB in your body. Before a diagnosis can be made, more testing is needed. 

Want to learn more? 

Read the TB Skin test HealthLinkBC file in English, Chinese, Farsi, French, Korean, Punjabi, Spanish and Vietnamese. 

TB blood test (IGRA)

A TB skin test is used to test for TB infection. In some cases, an IGRA TB blood test may offer more information. The test cannot tell the difference between latent or active TB. You may be offered an IGRA TB blood test if you are at risk of developing active TB disease. Your doctor or nurse will decide if you need this test. 

  • negative TB blood test usually means that you do not have TB in your body. Most people do not need further testing.
  • positive TB blood test means you might have TB in your body. Before a diagnosis can be made, more testing is needed. 

Handout: TB Blood Test (IGRA)

English  Chinese  French  Korean Punjabi

Spanish  Tagalog  Vietnamese 

Chest x-ray

A chest x-ray may be offered to some people. A chest x-ray is a picture of your lungs. It is often used after you have had a positive TB skin or blood test to see if TB has affected your lungs. If there are changes it's more likely you may have active TB disease.

Xray exhale image from tb germ video.jpg

Sputum test

Sputum tests may be offered to some people. Sputum tests look at the mucus from your lungs. It can help figure out if you have active TB disease and how likely you are to pass TB another person. Watch our How to get a good sputum sample video.how to get a good sputum sample for your tb test.PNG

Learn more by reading the HealthlinkBC file: Sputum collection for TB testing. The healthfile is in English, Chinese, Farsi, French, Korean, Punjabi, Spanish and Vietnamese. 

Getting results

The way you get your TB test results will depend on the type of test that you had. If you had a TB skin test your health care provider will explain results are the second appointment and let you know if you require more testing. For other types of TB tests, the results may take several weeks. When you get tested ask your health care provider how you will get your results and when they will be ready. It is important to follow-up on your results.

Confidentiality

Any information shared with your health care provider is confidential, including test results. When you go for TB testing you may be asked to provide personal information. This is used to give the best health care, order tests, and contact you with results. If you are concerned about confidentiality talk to your health care provider.

Care & Medications

TB Care

Just Diagnosed

If you have just found out that you have active or latent TB, you may be overwhelmed and have many questions. It's important to know that it's not your fault and you're not alone. TB is treatable, and your health care provider will help figure out the best care and support for you. 


Supports


Connect | Share | Support

A supportive community for people affected by TB in Canada. 
You are not alone! 

TBpeople Canada is a supportive community of and for people living with TB, TB survivors, family members, friends and caregivers committed to the common goal of raising awareness on TB, fighting stigma and ending TB everywhere. 

As Canada's first peer support network for people affected by TB, this is a safe space for members to come together and share stories, experiences, and resources to foster feelings of togetherness and solidarity. 


TB Treatment

TB is treatable and most often curable with medications; however, TB germs have a waxy coat and can be very difficult to kill. A health care provider will help you decide what treatment is best for you.

Active TB Disease

  • This disease needs a combination of medications to be cured. 
  • The medications must be taken for at least six. It is important to take all your medications and finish the entire course of treatment. 
  • You will be followed and supported by health care providers throughout your treatment.

Latent TB Infection

  • The medications can prevent TB from becoming active and you may never get sick
  • Deciding whether you want to treat latent TB infection is your choice, and a health care provider will help you make decisions related to your care.
  • Treatment usually only requires one medication. However, because the TB germs are difficult to kill, this medication needs to be taken for about 4-9 months. 

Health care providers will support and monitor you throughout your treatment. TB medications are generally safe. Follow the directions when taking TB medications, and talk to your health care provider about any side effects. Learn more about TB and NTM medications by reading our handouts and discussing any questions with your health care provider.

TB Medication Handouts

Available in 8 languages:

English | Chinese 中文 | French, Français 

Korean 한국어 | Punjabi ਪੰਜਾਬੀ | Spanish, Español Tagalog | Vietnamese, Việt


Clofazimine

 

Clofazimine Medication Sheet 

English | French | Korean | Punjabi | Chinese | Spanish

Tagalog | Vietnamese

Ethambutol Medication Sheet

English | French | Korean | Punjabi | Chinese | Spanish

Tagalog | Vietnamese

Ethionamide Medication Sheet

English | Chinese | French | Korean | Punjabi | Spanish

Tagalog | Vietnamese

Isoniazid Medication Sheet

English | French | Korean | Punjabi | Chinese | Spanish

Tagalog | Vietnamese

Levofloxacin Medication Sheet

English | French | Korean | Punjabi | Chinese | Spanish

Tagalog | Vietnamese

Linezolid Medication Sheet

English | French | Korean | Punjabi | Chinese | Spanish

Tagalog | Vietnamese

Moxifloxacin Medication Sheet

English | French | Korean | Punjabi | Chinese | Spanish

Tagalog | Vietnamese

PASER Medication Sheet

(p-aminosalicyclic acid granules)

English | French | Korean | Punjabi | Chinese | Spanish

Tagalog | Vietnamese 

Pyrazinamide Medication Sheet

English | French | Korean | Punjabi | Chinese | Spanish

Tagalog | Vietnamese

Pyridoxine Medication Sheet

(Vitamin B6)

English | French | Korean | Punjabi |  Chinese | Spanish

Tagalog | Vietnamese

Rifabutin Medication Sheet

English | Chinese | French | Korean | Punjabi | Spanish

Tagalog | Vietnamese

Rifampin Medication Sheet

English | French | Korean | Punjabi | Chinese | Spanish

Tagalog | Vietnamese

Rifapentine and Isoniazid (3HP) Medication Sheet

English | French | Korean | Punjabi | Chinese | Spanish

Tagalog | Vietnamese


Rifapentine & Nitrosamine handout

Streptomycin Medication Sheet

English | French | Korean | Punjabi | Chinese | Spanish

Tagalog | Vietnamese

Tab Heading

SOURCE: About Tuberculosis ( )
Page printed: . Unofficial document if printed. Please refer to SOURCE for latest information.

Copyright © BC Centre for Disease Control. All Rights Reserved.

    Copyright © 2023 Provincial Health Services Authority.