Tuberculosis Information for Providers - Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department

For more general information, see our Tuberculosis page.

Overview

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) bacteria cause the treatable infection tuberculosis (TB). TB typically occurs in the lungs but can affect any part of the body. Not everyone with TB becomes sick. Symptoms of the disease include cough, fatigue, weight loss, fever, and night sweats.

TB has 2 stages—latent TB infection (LTBI) and active TB disease. Many people with LTBI never develop active TB disease. Others progress from LTBI to active TB disease—often due to a weakened immune system. Active TB disease is life-threatening.

LTBI

Do not show symptoms.
Do not feel ill.
Not contagious.
May have positive TB skin reaction and blood tests.
Usually have normal chest x-ray.
May develop active TB disease, if left untreated.

Active TB disease

May show symptoms.
May feel ill.
May be contagious.
Often have positive TB test results. TST or QFT may remain negative in those with active disease. AFB smear, culture, and MTB PCR should be performed for the site of concern, often sputum.
If TB is in their lungs, will have abnormal chest x-rays.
Need treatment to be cured.

Tuberculosis Reporting and Notification: Active and Latent TB.

Report any positive TB screening tests within 7 working days using the Positive TB Screening Report form.
If concerned for active TB or to report active TB, call us at (253) 649-1412. Report active TB cases, either confirmed or highly suspicious, within 24 hours.
Notify the Health Department with any positive acid fast bacilli (AFB) smear or culture.
Phone: (253) 649-1412.
Confidential fax: (253) 649-1389.