Tuberculosis facts and treatment

This resource is designed for migrants and refugees and provides health information on tuberculosis (also known as TB).

It explains the difference between latent TB infection and TB disease, the symptoms of active TB, how TB is spread and how to prevent it from spreading to other people. It also describes the common tests for TB and how it is treated.

What is TB?

TB (also known as Tuberculosis) is an infectious disease caused by germs (bacteria).  TB usually affects the lungs.  It can also affect other parts of the body such as the brain, kidneys or spine. 

What is the difference between latent TB infection and TB disease?

Latent TB infection means that someone has the TB germs in their body but the body’s defences are protecting them from the germs.
People with latent TB infection do not feel sick or have symptoms.

They cannot pass the TB germ to anyone. TB disease is usually called ‘active’ TB (active tuberculosis) TB disease means that someone has become sick from the TB germs.  Having TB disease means that you can spread the disease to other people. 

A person with TB disease needs to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Learn more by downloading one of the brochures below.