What is Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Infection by this bacteria usually occurs in the lungs, where it can cause extensive damage and serious illness. The bacteria forms lumps called tubercles, from which the disease gets its name. During this time, which is called latent infection, the person does not show any symptoms. However, when the person becomes ill or has a weakened immune system, the bacteria burst from the tubercles and infect other cells in the body. This is called active infection. During active infection, the person is contagious and shows symptoms of tuberculosis (1).

Tuberculosis is of particular importance to the Vietnamese community . Over one-third of the world's population is infected with the tuberculosis bacteria. Of these cases, 33% are from Southeast Asia (2). At least 69% of immigrants, including Vietnamese immigrants, had positive tuberculin skin tests in one study (3).

(1) Tuberculosis. (2004) Patient Education Institute, Inc.
< http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/tutorials/tuberculosis/id359102.html > 21 May 2004.

(2) Tuberculosis Fact Sheet. (2004) World Health Organization.
< http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs104/en/ > 21 May 2004.

(3) Cantanzaro A, Moser RJ. Health status of refugees from Vietnam , Laos , and Cambodia . JAMA 1982; 247: 1303-1308.