In the context of TB, what does "active" signify about the disease?

In the context of tuberculosis (TB), when the term "active" is used, it indicates that the disease is transmissible to others. This means that individuals with active TB not only exhibit symptoms of the disease, such as a persistent cough and weight loss but are also capable of spreading the bacteria that causes TB to others, primarily through respiratory droplets when they cough or speak.

Recognizing this characteristic of active TB is crucial for controlling outbreaks and protecting public health. Individuals diagnosed with active TB typically require medical treatment to both alleviate their symptoms and eliminate the bacteria, which helps prevent further transmission.

While individuals with inactive or latent TB may carry the bacteria without showing symptoms and are not considered contagious, the hallmark of active TB is its infectious nature, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and effective treatment to manage the disease.