TB

A fact sheet on staying home when you TB to keep you and those around you safe

Tuberculosis (TB) is an airborne disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which primarily affects the lungs but can develop in any part of the body. There are two forms of TB: active TB disease and TB infection (formerly known as latent TB infection). Active disease means that the bacteria are growing, causing symptoms, and can be transmitted to others (if located in the lungs), while TB infection (TBI) means that the TB bacteria are in the body but inactive.

IGRA assesses for past exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis.  It is more specific for the bacteria than the Tuberculin Skin Test and is not affected by past BCG vaccination. More information can be found in the Canadian TB Standards, 7th edition, Chapter 4.