The three categories of TB
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Tuberculosis can be separated into three categories of progression:
1. Early Infection This is when the host first comes into contact with TB bacteria. If the body is strong enough, it will fight off the TB bacteria and not become infected. 70%~90% of people that come into contact with TB bacteria will fight off the disease with their own body's immune system but 10%~30% of the time, the immune system will contain the bacteria, turning it into Latent TB. 2. Secondary TB/Reactivated TB
When someone with Latent TB:
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3. Active TB
When Latent TB becomes Active TB, the tuberculosis germs spread within the lung, and can come out of the lung from exhalation or coughed-up sputum. This is when the tuberculosis germs are able to be transmitted. The tuberculosis bacteria can also travel from the lungs to other parts of the body by travelling through the bloodstream. If TB is left untreated during the active stage, death is very likely.
When Latent TB becomes Active TB, the tuberculosis germs spread within the lung, and can come out of the lung from exhalation or coughed-up sputum. This is when the tuberculosis germs are able to be transmitted. The tuberculosis bacteria can also travel from the lungs to other parts of the body by travelling through the bloodstream. If TB is left untreated during the active stage, death is very likely.