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Should A Tuberculosis Test Be Done After It Has Been Completely Cured?

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Posted on Fri, 4 Jul 2014
Question: Dear Doctor,

I was suffering from Tuberculosis of Intestine couple of years back for which I had taken AKT treatment for around 8-9 months and then the TB was completely cured. The blood test showed no trace of TB nor any other infection. Post treatment, I have gained weight and it's normal now.
Since couple of years, I never had any incident for stomach pain, nor indigestion etc.
My question is, do you recommend me to check for TB of Intestine with any blood test often, or now there's no need of any tests etc.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
No sir you need not, but can choose to

Detailed Answer:
Hello sir and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query with diligence and would like to tell you that you have a very good and frequently asked question. I shall surely enlighten you with the information you require sir; TB treatment is very effective if taken religiously and with the exact advise of your doctor.

Once the course of treatment is completed, a few investigations are conducted to make sure the infection has been completely treated, and if not, treatment is continued. But if there is no sign of the bacteria at all, then you are considered TB-free.

A TB-free state is like any other individual who does not have the infection, and so you are neither infected not more vulnerable to TB than anybody else. But it is also important to note that if you are unlucky, you could be exposed to the infection again (god forbid) and could fall sick with it again, as you do not gain immunity against the infection if you have got it once.

So, in my opinion if you live in a country like XXXXXXX where TB is so commonly found, regular screening (may be annually) would surely help. Please note that this is not because you were once infected, but only because you prefer to be safe than sorry.

I hope you find my response both helpful and informative sir. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I would be more than happy to help you sir.

Wishing you a happy and healthy life ahead.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shoaib Khan

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 9409 Questions

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Should A Tuberculosis Test Be Done After It Has Been Completely Cured?

Brief Answer: No sir you need not, but can choose to Detailed Answer: Hello sir and welcome. Thank you for writing to us. I have gone through your query with diligence and would like to tell you that you have a very good and frequently asked question. I shall surely enlighten you with the information you require sir; TB treatment is very effective if taken religiously and with the exact advise of your doctor. Once the course of treatment is completed, a few investigations are conducted to make sure the infection has been completely treated, and if not, treatment is continued. But if there is no sign of the bacteria at all, then you are considered TB-free. A TB-free state is like any other individual who does not have the infection, and so you are neither infected not more vulnerable to TB than anybody else. But it is also important to note that if you are unlucky, you could be exposed to the infection again (god forbid) and could fall sick with it again, as you do not gain immunity against the infection if you have got it once. So, in my opinion if you live in a country like XXXXXXX where TB is so commonly found, regular screening (may be annually) would surely help. Please note that this is not because you were once infected, but only because you prefer to be safe than sorry. I hope you find my response both helpful and informative sir. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I would be more than happy to help you sir. Wishing you a happy and healthy life ahead.