Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Is It Possible To Get Tuberculosis Without Been Contact With Anyone Having This Disease?

Hello I have a question regarding Tuberculosis. I have been coughing for more than 3 weeks and at one point displayed most of the symptoms for it but have not been in contact with anyone with this disease. Is it possible to get this disease if it is not spread person to person?
Thu, 13 Mar 2014
Report Abuse
Infectious Diseases Specialist,  's  Response
Hello,
Welcome to HCM,

Tuberculosis is a communicable disease which can be transmitted from one person to other by droplet infection, droplet nuclei and by direct implantation.

The TB bacilli can be present in the throat after exposure to case of TB and can remain dormant for many years, when your immunity comes down these bacilli will activate and produces the symptoms.

Without exposure to the bacilli, it cannot gain entry into the body it requires some mode of transmission to reach the susceptible.

If you are having cough for more than three weeks subject your sputum for sputum smear examination to confirm diagnosis of TB.
Thank you.
I find this answer helpful
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Tuberculosis


Loading Online Doctors....
Is It Possible To Get Tuberculosis Without Been Contact With Anyone Having This Disease?

Hello, Welcome to HCM, Tuberculosis is a communicable disease which can be transmitted from one person to other by droplet infection, droplet nuclei and by direct implantation. The TB bacilli can be present in the throat after exposure to case of TB and can remain dormant for many years, when your immunity comes down these bacilli will activate and produces the symptoms. Without exposure to the bacilli, it cannot gain entry into the body it requires some mode of transmission to reach the susceptible. If you are having cough for more than three weeks subject your sputum for sputum smear examination to confirm diagnosis of TB. Thank you.