What are the lingering effects and consequences of TB?
A TB infection often results in the formation of scar tissue in the lungs, which shows up as shadowing (denser tissue) in chest X-rays. Lung capacity is often diminished permanently and patients can weaken and waste away. A ‘positive’ TB skin test shows the presence of antibodies for the TB bacterium, meaning the person has been exposed to the bacterium, although they may never have contracted the disease. Many countries restrict the entry of people who exhibit positive TB skin tests or X-rays, and most forbid the entry of people with active TB. Juliet’s health could have affected her immediate travel plans.
