The TB bacterium is transmitted by air from person to person. The bacteria usually attack the lungs and then spread to lymph nodes. If untreated, the disease can be lethal. Participants in the study will answer questions about their exposure to TB and provide four to five blood samples for one year. In addition to analyzing the strain of TB, investigators will use the data to study how the patient's body is responding to the disease and to treatment, which should be provided by the patient's physician.
Treatment usually consists of four drugs for nine months.
TB exposure is usually confirmed by symptoms, such as coughing, fever and fatigue, a skin test and a chest X-ray.