Forms and Risk Factors of Tuberculosis

Two Forms of Tuberculosis

1. M. tuberculosis hominis ( human tuberculosis) - it is an airborne infection spread by minute, invisible particles, called droplet nuclei, that are harbored in the respiratory secretions of person with active TB. Coughing, sneezing, and talking all create respiratory droplets; these droplets evaporate, leaving the organisms (droplet nuclei), remain suspended in the air and are circulated by air currents. Living under crowded and confined conditions increases the risk for spread of the disease.
2. M. tuberculosis bovis (bovine TB) - it is acquired by drinking milk from infected cows, it initially affects the gastrointestinal tract.

Risk Factors

• Close contact with someone who has active TB
• Immunocompromised status
• Persons without adequate health care (homeless, impoverished)
• Immigration from countries with high prevalence of TB
• Living in overcrowded, substandard housing
• Health care worker performing high risk activities

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