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1. What is the difference between tuberculosis infection and tuberculosis disease?

Tuberculosis infection (TBI) simply means that an individual has been exposed to TB and that person has the germ in his/her body but in inactive/sleeping state. Individuals with TBI are not contagious, so they cannot spread TB to other people. They also do not feel sick or experience any symptoms.

Individuals with tuberculosis disease (TBD) have also been exposed to the germ that causes tuberculosis but have a high number of TB germs in their body which are in an active state. Individuals with TBD are contagious and can spread TB from person to person if they have TB in their lungs or throat. Persons with TBD will feel sick and may experience one more of the symptoms of active TB.

2. What does a positive skin test result for TB and blood test result for TB mean?

A positive skin test result for TB means that a person has been exposed to TB and has the mycobacterium tuberculosis germ in his/her body. Although, additional testing is required to determine if an individual has progressed to active TB (TBD). A positive blood test for TB (QuantiFERON Gold) means a person has been exposed to TB and has the germ in his/her body. Additional laboratory testing and radiography are required to determine if a person has progressed to active TB (TBD).