Tuberculosis Risk and Screening After Exposure

Pulmonary tuberculosis

Hello, my family member is a patient with open pulmonary tuberculosis and has just returned home after a week of treatment in the hospital.
They are still continuing medication for control, and I sleep in the same room as the patient.
What is the likelihood that I will contract tuberculosis? Do I need to get a chest X-ray? Can a chest X-ray definitively detect tuberculosis? Thank you!

Xiao Cao, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2001/05/24

Dr. Jiang Zhenyuan reply Pulmonology

If your family member tests positive for acid-fast bacilli in sputum smear, their infectiousness is higher, and there is a possibility of transmission if sleeping in the same room as a tuberculosis patient.
As long as your family member adheres to their medication regimen, their infectiousness will decrease rapidly.
Generally, about 25-50% of individuals in long-term close contact may become infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Among those infected, approximately 10% will develop the disease.
A tuberculin skin test can determine if there has been an infection.
A chest X-ray examination is also recommended.

Reply Date: 2001/05/24

More Info

Hello! Thank you for your question regarding the risk of tuberculosis (TB) infection after exposure to an open TB patient, as well as the need for screening.

First and foremost, it is important to understand that tuberculosis is primarily transmitted through airborne particles when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The risk of transmission is significantly higher in close, prolonged contact with someone who has active TB, especially in enclosed spaces. Since you mentioned that you share a room with a family member who has open TB, your risk of infection is indeed elevated.

However, not everyone who is exposed to TB will become infected. The likelihood of infection depends on several factors, including the duration and intensity of exposure, the infectiousness of the patient, and your own immune system's strength. If you have a healthy immune system, your body may be able to fend off the infection even after exposure.

Regarding screening, it is advisable to undergo a TB test, which can include a tuberculin skin test (TST) or an interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA). These tests can help determine if you have been infected with the TB bacteria. If either test is positive, further evaluation, including a chest X-ray, may be necessary to check for active disease.

A chest X-ray is a crucial tool in TB screening, but it is not definitive for diagnosing TB. While a normal chest X-ray can suggest that you do not have active TB, it does not completely rule out the possibility of latent TB infection (LTBI). In some cases, individuals with LTBI may have normal X-ray results. Therefore, if you have a positive TB test, further evaluation, such as a sputum test or a CT scan, may be warranted to confirm the diagnosis.

If you are concerned about your risk of infection, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider. They may recommend regular monitoring and follow-up tests, especially if you develop symptoms such as a persistent cough, fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss.

In summary, given your close contact with an open TB patient, it is prudent to get tested for TB infection. While a chest X-ray is an important part of the evaluation process, it should be combined with other tests to provide a comprehensive assessment. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance. Stay safe and take care!

Similar Q&A

Understanding Tuberculosis Testing: Risks and Precautions for Family Members

Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask a question. Previously, a family member was diagnosed with tuberculosis, so both my mother and I received a notice from the health department to undergo chest X-ray examinations. We first went to Hospital A for the check-up. Fortunately, I did n...

Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. For tuberculosis contact screening, a chest X-ray is typically performed first. According to the information provided, this was conducted at Hospital A. Initially, there were concerns regarding your mother's X-ray results, but upon re-examination, no lesions were f...

Understanding Preventive Treatment for Tuberculosis Exposure: Risks and Accuracy

Due to my uncle being hospitalized and diagnosed with tuberculosis, all family members were notified to undergo blood tests. I have been informed that my test result is positive, and the health department has advised preventive medication. I would like to know if taking this medi...

Dr. Chen Junwei reply Pulmonology
A positive blood test should refer to a positive result for latent tuberculosis infection, indicating that the individual has been infected but is not currently ill. The lifetime risk of developing active tuberculosis is approximately 5%. From a public health prevention standpoin...

Concerns About TB Exposure: Am I at Risk After Contact?

I apologize for bothering you again, but I would like to clarify something. If I have caused any trouble, I sincerely apologize. Last week, a friend's father was diagnosed with open pulmonary tuberculosis in the hospital. My friend has been taking care of his father, and I h...

Dr. Zhang Zhengda reply Pulmonology
Hello: All close contacts should undergo a chest X-ray, and sputum tests can also be performed. If the results are normal, there should be no need for concern. In fact, Taiwan has a very high incidence of tuberculosis (ten times that of the United States), and anyone can potentia...

Do We Need TB Testing After Exposure to a Confirmed Case?

Dr. Yang: Hello, my grandmother was recently hospitalized at Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. A week ago, the hospital suspected she had a tuberculosis infection, which was later confirmed. She was placed in an isolation room during the suspicion phase. My brother, sister, an...

Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Tuberculosis can be transmitted through airborne droplets, but prolonged exposure is typically required for infection to occur. Generally, about one-third of household contacts will become infected (90% of those infected will never develop the disease in their lifetime), w...