These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT be used as recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An individual patient is always advised to consult their own physician.
Tuberculosis
Question: I just returned from a five day trip to India. An associate of mine, who lives in India, was recently diagnosed with Tuberculosis on one of her ovaries. She told me she is not in the contagious stage of the disease. I was in her presence for six hours on January 20th. What risks, if any, do I have and what should I do?
Answer: Tuberculosis is one infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. It is one of the oldest diseases known to man. TB can be spread in many ways; but is usually spread by aerosol drops from coughing or respiratory secretions. Tuberculosis may effect almost any of the organ systems. However, involvement of internal organs other than the respiratory system is not thought to be especially infectious. Exposure to an individual with organ involvement who does not have respiratory involvement is of little risk. Skin testing by your physician will confirm any exposure risk.
