Risk Factors Some people develop TB disease soon after becoming infected (within weeks) before their immune

system can fight the TB bacteria. Other people may get sick years later, when their immune system becomes weak for another reason. Generally, persons at high risk for developing TB disease fall into two categories: 1. Persons who have been Recently Infected with TB Bacteria Close contacts of a person with infectious TB disease Persons who have immigrated from areas of the world with high rates of TB Children less than 5 years of age who have a positive TB test Groups with high rates of TB transmission, such as homeless persons, injection drug users, and persons with HIV infection Persons who work or reside with people who are at high risk for TB in facilities or institutions such as hospitals, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, nursing homes, and residential homes for those with HIV 2. Persons with Medical Conditions that Weaken the Immune System Babies and young children often have weak immune systems. Other people can have weak immune systems, too, especially people with any of these conditions: HIV infection (the virus that causes AIDS) Substance abuse Silicosis Diabetes mellitus Severe kidney disease Low body weight Organ transplants Head and neck cancer Medical treatments such as corticosteroids or organ transplant Specialized treatment for rheumatoid arthritis or Crohns disease Risk factors By Mayo Clinic staff Anyone can get tuberculosis, but certain factors can increase your risk of the disease. These factors include: 1. Weakened immune system A healthy immune system can often successfully fight TB bacteria, but your body can't mount an effective defense if your resistance is low. A number of diseases and medications can weaken your immune system, including:

HIV/AIDS Diabetes End-stage kidney disease Cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy Drugs to prevent rejection of transplanted organs Some drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease and psoriasis Malnutrition Advanced age International connections TB risk is higher for people who live in or travel to countries that have high rates of tuberculosis, such as: Sub-Saharan Africa India China Mexico The islands of Southeast Asia and Micronesia Parts of the former Soviet Union Poverty and substance abuse Lack of medical care. If you are on a low or fixed income, live in a remote area, have recently immigrated to the United States or are homeless, you may lack access to the medical care needed to diagnose and treat TB. Substance abuse. Long-term drug or alcohol use weakens your immune system and makes you more vulnerable to tuberculosis. Where you work or live Health care work. Regular contact with people who are ill increases your chances of exposure to TB bacteria. Wearing a mask and frequent handwashing greatly reduce your risk. Living or working in a residential care facility. People who live or work in prisons, immigration centers or nursing homes are all at risk of tuberculosis. That's because the risk of the disease is higher anywhere there is overcrowding and poor ventilation. Living in a refugee camp or shelter. Weakened by poor nutrition and ill health and living in crowded, unsanitary conditions, refugees are at especially high risk of tuberculosis infection.