What is meant by active TB disease?
Active tuberculosis disease is a serious illness caused by active TB germs. It is possible to get active TB disease shortly after the germs enter the body. It is also possible, even after many years, for inactive TB germs to become active when body defenses are weakened. This may be the result of aging, a serious illness, drug or alcohol abuse, or HIV infection. When defenses are weakened and inactive TB germs become active, the germs can then break out of the walls, begin multiplying, and hurt the lungs or other organs. A person with active TB disease may feel sick and usually can spread TB to others.
