TB 101 For Health Care Workers

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Lesson 2: TB Transmission and the Development of TB Disease

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How TB Develops in the Body (2/2)

Page 9 of 17

If, however, the immune system cannot keep the TB bacteria under control, the TB bacteria continue to multiply and destroy tissue.

The bacteria usually attack the lungs, but can attack any part of the body such as lymph nodes, bones and joints, the brain, and other organs. At this point, the person has TB disease.

People with TB disease may feel sick and may spread TB to others.

TB bacteria escaping the immune barrier shell

Close up illustration of the immune barrier shell surrounding the TB bacteria breaking down, allowing the bacteria to escape and multiply.