Tuberculosis Elimination

Interactive Disease Data

Information for Individuals

Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by the bacterium, Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB most often affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body, including the kidneys, spine, brain, etc.

TB bacteria spread through the air when a person with infectious TB disease coughs, sings, or speaks. When someone breathes in the bacteria, the bacteria can enter the lungs and begin to grow. TB in the throat and lungs can be infectious to others, while TB in other parts of the body is not.

Not everyone who is infected with TB bacteria becomes sick, and many people infected with the bacteria may not even know they have the bacteria in their bodies. Because of this, there are two TB-related conditions: TB infection (TBI) (also known as LTBI – latent TB infection) and active TB disease. People with TB infection do not feel sick and cannot spread the bacteria to others, but may develop active TB disease in the future if left untreated. TB disease is a serious condition that can cause death if not treated properly.

This section provides information to help you understand how TB spreads from one person to another, what some of the symptoms of TB are, and how testing and treatment can protect you and the community from a disease that is Preventable, Treatable, and Curable.

TB Disease

If a person is infected with TB and their body’s immune system cannot stop the bacteria from growing, the bacteria may begin multiplying and cause TB disease. Some people develop TB disease soon after being infected with the bacteria, while others become sick as they age or if their immune system can no longer stop the bacteria from growing.

Symptoms of TB Disease

People may have different symptoms of TB depending on where the bacteria are growing in the body.

Symptoms of TB disease affecting the lungs (called pulmonary TB) include:

• A cough that lasts longer than two weeks
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Tiredness or weakness
• Excessive sweating at night
• Coughing up blood
• Losing weight without trying
• Fever

If you have symptoms of TB disease, you could contact your doctor or your local health department as soon as possible for testing and treatment, if needed. 

Screening and Testing for TB

Some people are at higher risk for tuberculosis (TB) infection and should be tested. TB testing helps identify infection early so individuals can receive treatment and prevent the spread of disease.

Screening for TB Infection

Before getting a test for TB infection, your health care provider will ask you questions to determine if you are at high risk for progressing to TB disease if you are infected by asking you questions.

• If you are determined to be at low risk, you may not need a test.
• If you are determined to be at high risk, your provider may recommend that you get a test.

Some individuals are at a higher risk of developing TB disease after they are infected with the bacteria. These include:

• People who were infected with the TB bacteria within the past two (2) years
• Babies and children under the age of five (5)
• People living with HIV
• People receiving treatment for conditions such as:
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Plaque psoriasis
  • Psoriatic arthritis
  • People receiving high-dose steroids
  • o People receiving therapy after an organ transplant
  • People with silicosis, end-stage kidney disease, leukemia, or cancer of the head, neck, or lung
  • People with diabetes
  • People who have had stomach surgery
  • People with low body weight (weigh less than 90% of their ideal body weight)
  • People with alcohol or substance use disorders

Types of TB Tests

If you need a test, your health care provider will determine which test is best for you. There are two tests used to test for TB infection.

• An interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) is a blood test that measures your immune system’s reaction.
  • There are two (2) types of IGRAs: the QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) and the T-SPOT.TB test.

Updated Guidelines for Using Interferon Gamma Release Assays to Detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection - United States, 2010

• A tuberculin skin test (TST) (called the Mantoux skin test) is done by placing a small amount of liquid under the skin and measuring your immune system’s reactivity.

For more information about TB infection testing, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/tb/testing/. 

TB Test Results

• Interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) – results of the blood test should be available in two (2) to five (5) business days.
• Tuberculin skin test (TST) – after you get the TST, you will have to go back to your health care provider 48–72 hours after the first visit. The health care provider will measure the hard, raised, or swelled area (if any) where the liquid was injected under the skin.

Treatment of TB Disease

TB disease can almost always be cured with the right medicine. It is important to take all medicine exactly as prescribed by your health care provider to ensure the treatment works.

Medicines Used to Treat TB Disease

People who have TB disease need to take a combination of antibiotics to cure the infection. Your health care provider will determine what medication combination is better for you. Your health care provider will tell you what to expect while taking these medications and any side effects.

Your health care provider will determine the right combination of medicines for your treatment.

Following Directions from your Health Care Provider

You should follow your health care provider’s instructions to keep you and others healthy. Some of these directions may include:

• Staying at Home While You Are Infectious
  • If your provider tells you that you have TB that can infect others, you may need to stay home from work, school, and public activities until your health care provider tells you that you are no longer infectious.
• Collecting Samples While You Have TB
  • Your health care provider may ask you to collect sputum (phlegm from deep within the lungs) specimens to help determine whether you are infectious and to see how well the medication is working.
• Clinic Appointments
  • Your health care provider may ask you to come back to the clinic several times while you have TB to make sure you are doing well and that the medication is working like it is supposed to.
• Taking Medication
  • You should take all your medications according to the directions and any additional directions from your health care provider.

TB Infection

If you have TB bacteria in your body, but you are not sick, and the bacteria is not active, you have TB infection.

What is TB Infection?

TB infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in the body but are not causing illness. In most people who breathe in TB bacteria, the immune system is able to stop the bacteria from growing.

People with TB infection:

• Have no symptoms
• Do not feel sick
• Cannot spread TB bacteria to others
• Usually have a positive TB skin test or positive TB blood test
• May develop TB disease in the future if they do not receive treatment

Why Treat TB Infection?

Many people with TB infection never develop TB disease. The bacteria can remain inactive for a lifetime without causing harm.

However, in some people—especially those with weakened immune systems—TB bacteria can become active, multiply, and cause TB disease. Treating TB infection greatly reduces the chance of developing TB disease later in life.

TB Infection Treatment

Treating TB infection is the best way to prevent TB disease. While many people with TB infection never become sick, some individuals are at higher risk of progressing to TB disease if they do not receive treatment.

Who Is at Higher Risk for Exposure to TB Bacteria?

Some individuals are at higher risk for exposure to TB bacteria and may need a test. These include:

• People exposed to active TB disease
• People who have lived in or frequently visit countries where TB is common.
• People who have lived or worked in settings where TB is more common (for example, shelters for people experiencing homelessness, jails, prisons, or nursing homes)
• Health care personnel who might serve people with active TB disease
• Babies, children, and teenagers who are around adults at high-risk for TB

Why Treat TB Infection?

If you have TB infection, taking medicine can stop you from developing TB disease in the future. This is called treatment for TB infection (also known as latent TB infection treatment).

There are several treatment options available. You and your health care provider will work together to decide which treatment is best for you.

Treatment for TB Infection

• Several different medications can be used to treat TB infection. Your health care provider will discuss these medications and help you decide what option is best for you.
• If you choose not to take treatment for TB infection, your health care provider will teach you about the symptoms of TB disease, and you will be asked to contact your healthcare provider if you start having any of those symptoms.

If You Do Not Receive Treatment

People with TB infection who do not receive treatment should know the symptoms of TB disease. If symptoms develop later—such as a cough lasting more than two weeks, chest pain, fever, night sweats, or weight loss—they should contact a health care provider right away.

TB Program Contact Information

Use the list below to find contact information for local and regional TB Control and Elimination Programs across Tennessee. If you need testing, treatment, or more information about TB, please contact the office nearest to you.

TB Program Contacts

Chattanooga / Hamilton County TB Control
921 E. 3rd Street, Chattanooga, TN 37403
Phone: 423-209-8030
Program website: https://health.hamiltontn.org/en-us/services/tuberculosiscontrol.aspx

Jackson / Madison County TB Program
804 N. Parkway, Jackson, TN 38305
Phone: 731-423-3020
Program website: https://www.madisoncountytn.gov/190/Tuberculosis-Services

Memphis / Shelby County TB Control and Elimination Program
814 Jefferson Avenue, Room 111, Memphis, TN 38105
Phone: 901-222-9664
Program website: https://www.shelbytnhealth.com/188/Tuberculosis-Control-Elimination-Program

Nashville / Davidson County TB Elimination Program
2500 Charlotte Avenue, Suite 100, Nashville, TN 37209
Phone: 615-340-5650
Program website: https://www.nashville.gov/departments/health/clinical-health-services/tuberculosis-elimination-program

Information for Health Care Professionals (HCPs)

This section provides clinical guidance and resources for health care professionals involved in diagnosing, reporting, and managing tuberculosis in Tennessee, including reporting requirements, laboratory information, program contacts, and screening recommendations.

Reporting Requirements

Health care professionals in Tennessee are required to report the following to public health:

• Suspected or confirmed TB disease
• Positive tests for TB infection, including interferon gamma release assays (IGRAs) and tuberculin skin tests (TSTs)

Timely reporting helps ensure rapid public health response, appropriate treatment, and effective contact investigation.

Reporting timeframes include:

• Suspected or confirmed active TB disease
  • Must be reported by telephone within one business day
  • A completed PH-1600 form must be submitted within one week
• TB infection (latent TB infection)
  • A completed PH-1600 form must be submitted within one week

How to Report

Health care professionals can report TB cases using the resources provided by the Tennessee Department of Health. Instructions, required forms, and reporting methods are available online.

Reporting Resources:

• Tennessee Reportable Diseases Website
• Guidance for Healthcare Providers (2026)
• Detailed Guidance for Healthcare Providers (2026)

These resources provide step-by-step instructions and required information for submitting TB reports in Tennessee.

Laboratory

This section provides laboratory guidance and technical resources to support testing, diagnosis, and management of tuberculosis (TB) and other mycobacterial infections in Tennessee.

Laboratory Resources

External links and accessibility notice:
Some of the resources listed below link to external websites not managed by the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH). TDH is not responsible for the content, accessibility, or privacy practices of these external sites.

CDC: TB Laboratory Guidance

Acid-Fast Bacilli, Mycobacterium Guidance

Mycobacterium Isolation Guidance (2021)

Mycobacterium tuberculosis Culture Guidance (2021)

For TB-related diagnostic services, treatment support, case management, and reporting requirements, healthcare professionals should contact their local health department.

Screening Recommendations

Targeted TB screening helps identify individuals at higher risk for tuberculosis (TB) infection or TB disease. Health care professionals should assess risk, use appropriate testing methods, and partner with public health agencies to ensure timely evaluation and treatment.

External links and accessibility notice:
Some of the resources listed below link to external websites not managed by the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH). TDH is not responsible for the content, accessibility, or privacy practices of these external sites.

Screening in Correctional Facilities

Healthcare professionals working in correctional and detention settings can access the following resources for guidance on TB prevention, screening, infection control, and case management:

Southeastern National TB Center (SNTC) Corrections Resources

CDC: Prevention and Control of Tuberculosis in Correctional and Detention Facilities

Long Term Care Facilities

Healthcare professionals working in long-term care settings can refer to the following guidance for TB prevention, control, and screening:

Prevention and Control of Tuberculosis in Facilities Providing Long-Term Care to the Elderly - Recommendations of the Advisory Committee for Elimination of Tuberculosis

Additional Resources for Screening High-Risk Populations

Screening for Tuberculosis and Tuberculosis Infection in High-Risk Populations - Recommendations of the Advisory Council for the Elimination of Tuberculosis

Additional TB Resources

External links and accessibility notice:
Some of the resources listed below link to external websites not managed by the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH). TDH is not responsible for the content, accessibility, or privacy practices of these external sites.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Tuberculosis (TB)

National Tuberculosis Coalition of America (NTCA)

TB Centers of Excellence (COE)

Southeastern National Tuberculosis Center (SNTC)

Curry International Tuberculosis Center

Global Tuberculosis Institute at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Mayo Clinic Center for Tuberculosis (MCCT)

Heartland National TB Center

Glossary

Review definitions of key terms, abbreviations, and acronyms related to tuberculosis and public health. This glossary is designed to make TB information easy to understand for all readers.

TB disease – an illness in which TB bacteria are multiplying and attacking a part of the body, usually the lungs. The symptoms of TB disease include weakness, weight loss, fever, no appetite, chills, and sweating at night. Other symptoms of TB disease depend on where in the body the bacteria are growing. If TB disease is in the lungs (pulmonary TB), the symptoms may include a bad cough, pain in the chest, or coughing up blood. A person with TB disease may be infectious and spread TB bacteria to others.

BCG – a vaccine for TB named after the French scientists who developed it, Calmette and Guérin. BCG is rarely used in the United States, but it is often given to infants and small children in other countries where TB is common.

Chest X-ray – a picture of the inside of your chest. A chest X-ray is made by exposing a film to X-rays that pass through the chest. A doctor can look at this film to see whether TB bacteria have damaged the lungs.

Contact – a person who has spent time with a person with infectious TB.

Culture – a test to see whether there are TB bacteria in your phlegm or other body fluids. This test can take 2 to 4 weeks in most laboratories.

Directly observed therapy (DOT) – a way of helping patients take their medicine for TB. If you get DOT, you will meet with a health care worker every day or several times a week. You will meet at a place you both agree on. This can be the TB clinic, your home, work, or any other convenient location. You will take your medicine while the health care worker watches.

Extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR TB) - XDR TB is a rare type of TB disease that is resistant to nearly all medicines used to treat TB.

Extrapulmonary TB – TB disease in any part of the body other than the lungs (for example, the kidney, spine, brain, or lymph nodes).

HIV infection – infection with the human immunodeficiency virus, the virus that causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). A person with both latent TB infection and HIV infection is at a very high risk for developing TB disease.

Isoniazid (INH) – a medicine used to prevent TB disease in people who have latent TB infection. INH is also one of the four medicines often used to treat TB disease.

TB infection (also known as Latent TB Infection) – a condition in which TB bacteria are alive, but inactive in the body. People with TB infection have no symptoms, don't feel sick, can't spread TB to others, and usually have a positive TB skin test or positive TB blood test reaction. But they may develop TB disease if they do not receive treatment for latent TB infection.

Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR TB) – TB disease caused by bacteria resistant to two of the most important medicines: INH and RIF.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis – bacteria that cause latent TB infection and TB disease.

Negative – usually refers to a test result. If you have a negative TB skin test reaction or a negative TB blood test reaction, you probably do not have TB infection.

Positive – usually refers to a test result. If you have a positive TB skin test reaction or a positive TB blood test reaction, you probably have TB infection.

Pulmonary TB – TB disease that occurs in the lungs, usually producing a cough that lasts 3 weeks or longer. Most TB disease is pulmonary.

Resistant bacteria – bacteria that can no longer be killed by a certain medicine.

Rifampin (RIF) – one of the four medicines often used to treat TB disease. It is considered a first-line drug.

Rifapentine (RPT) – one of two medicines used to treat latent TB infection.

Smear – a test to see whether there are TB bacteria in your phlegm. To do this test, lab workers smear the phlegm on a glass slide, stain the slide with a special stain, and look for any TB bacteria on the slide. This test usually takes 1 day to get the results.

Sputum – phlegm coughed up from deep inside the lungs. Sputum is examined for TB bacteria using a smear; part of the sputum can also be used to do a culture.

TB blood test – a test that uses a blood sample to find out if you are infected with TB bacteria. The test measures the response to TB proteins when they are mixed with a small amount of blood. Examples of these TB blood tests include QuantiFERON®-TB Gold In-tube (QFT-GIT) and T-Spot®.TB test.

TB disease – an illness in which TB bacteria are multiplying and attacking a part of the body, usually the lungs. The symptoms of TB disease include weakness, weight loss, fever, no appetite, chills, and sweating at night. Other symptoms of TB disease depend on where in the body the bacteria are growing. If TB disease is in the lungs (pulmonary TB), the symptoms may include a bad cough, pain in the chest, and coughing up blood. A person with TB disease may be infectious and spread TB bacteria to others.

TB skin test – a test that is often used to find out if you are infected with TB bacteria. A liquid called tuberculin is injected under the skin on the lower part of your arm. If you have a positive reaction to this test, you probably have TB infection. Other tests will be needed to find out if you have latent TB infection or TB disease.

Tuberculin or PPD – a liquid that is injected under the skin on the lower part of your arm during a TB skin test. If you have latent TB infection, you will probably have a positive reaction to the tuberculin.

Data and Statistics

Tuberculosis Cases and Rates by Public Health Region and County

Each year's data is released the following March 24th