No, TB itself is not permanently present in everyone infected. While the bacteria causing tuberculosis (TB) can remain inactive within the body for life in many people, this is not the same as the infection being permanent and causing active disease.
Understanding TB's Stages
TB is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, usually affecting the lungs. The infection can manifest in two main ways:
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Latent TB: In most people, the immune system contains the TB bacteria, preventing them from causing active disease. These individuals have a positive TB test but show no symptoms and are not contagious. This latent stage can persist for life. [Source: The infected person's immune system walls off the TB organisms. And the TB stays inactive throughout life in most people who are infected.]
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Active TB: If the body's immune system weakens, the bacteria can reactivate, causing active TB. This stage is contagious and requires treatment with antibiotics to cure the infection. [Source: Tuberculosis (TB) is curable and preventable.] [Source: If you have active TB disease, you must be treated with antibiotics to kill all of the germs and cure the TB.] If left untreated, active TB can lead to permanent lung damage. [Source: If TB of the lung is not treated early or if treatment isn't followed, long-lasting (permanent) lung damage can result.]
TB Treatment and Prevention
Treatment for active TB involves a course of antibiotics, usually lasting 6-9 months. This treatment effectively kills the bacteria and cures the disease. [Source: Treatment usually takes between 6 and 9 months.] Prevention strategies include:
- Vaccination (BCG)
- Avoiding close contact with infected individuals
While TB infection might remain dormant for life in some, active TB is curable with proper treatment. Prevention focuses on stopping the spread and development of active disease.
