Definition of Tuberculosis Tuberculosis is a communicable disease that results from the action of germs on the human body. The causative agent is referred to as Mycobacterium tuberculosis . It causes infection to the lungs although in other instances it could affect the brain or the kidneys of the victim (Dyer, 2010). The development of the disease is gradual with only an eighth of those infected with the mild form of the disease developing secondary infection. Once infected, however, a tuberculin skin test that determines presence of the bacterium will always be positive for the entire life of the individual (Schiffman, 2012).. The period of progression from the primary to the secondary stage could take up to two years. Nevertheless, the period of reactivation cold be accelerated by the presence of other critical ailments such a diabetes mellitus or HIV infection (Finer, 2009). Symptoms of the disease Some of the most common symptoms of TB include a general feeling of sickness and weakness that is often marked by the loss of weight, rising body temperature and heavy night sweats (Centers for disease controls and treatment, 2012). Once the lung infection has set in, a rough cough accompanied by chest pains could result. For critical cases, the cough could be dotted with spots of blood. Depending on the area of infection, the above symptoms could vary from patient to patient. Spreading process A cough or sneeze from a person infected with TB especially in areas of the breathing system such as lungs or throat releases TB germs into the air. In other instances, speaking or singing could also release the germs into the atmosphere. The surrounding environment influences the duration taken by the germs before they die. Once a healthy person inhales this air, they acquire the TB infection. This kind of infection is referred to as the latent TB infection. It refers to a situation in which TB germs are present in a person’s body but remain inactive. These people are not infected and therefore do not exhibit any symptoms of the disease. Moreover, there is a zero chance of these people spreading the disease (Scott, 2009). At this point, prescription of treatment from a medical professional is necessary to prevent the development of the disease in future. It is due to this reason that persons who have spent time with a patient infected with latent TB infection do not need to be tested, as there is no risk of infection (Samandari, 2011). However, spending time with someone infected with the TB disease would necessitate a test to alleviate the risk of developing the same disease in future. TB test In case one portrays the symptoms above having been exposed to the TB germs, two tests can be applied to determine whether TB germs are present in their body (Wouk, 2009). The first is the Mantoux tuberculin skin test. Under this, a small fluid known as tuberculin is injected in the lower skin section of the arm (Chatman, 2008). The reaction on the arm within the next forty-eight or seventy-two hours determines the presence or absence of the TB germs (Vassali, 2009). Alternatively, the QuantiFERON- TB Gold test could be applied. This test is conducted on a person’s blood to evaluate one’s immune reacti