Tuberculosis
What is tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which mainly affects the lungs, although it can also affect other parts of the body. We differentiate what is the disease or active tuberculosis where the person is sick and can infect, from what is the state of tuberculosis infection, where the person, despite having been in contact with the bacterium, has no symptoms or can infecting others.
It is a preventable and curable disease when treated appropriately. If you think you may have been in contact with someone with tuberculosis or if you have any symptoms, you should consult a healthcare professional. The TB symptoms can appear progressively and vary from person to person. Although some people may have no symptoms, the signs of tuberculosis can vary depending on the organ affected. The most common symptoms are a persistent cough lasting more than 2 to 3 weeks, sputum production with mucus or blood, fever, night sweats, tiredness and weight loss.
1993. The origins of Serveis Clínics
Founded in 1993, Serveis Clínics became a publicly funded healthcare provider serving the public health system. Its establishment coincided with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) declaration of tuberculosis as a global public health emergency and the widespread adoption of the DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course) strategy as a cornerstone for improving treatment adherence and patient outcomes.
1995. Establishment of the ETODA
In 1995, the ETODA (Outpatient Directly Observed Treatment Team) was established to make treatment more accessible by delivering care in patients’ usual environments. This service provides treatment administration and supervision at home, in the workplace and in other community settings, while ensuring privacy, confidentiality and continuity of care.
2000. Specialization in Complex cases
From 2000 onwards, as drug-resistant forms of tuberculosis emerged, Serveis Clínics expanded its expertise to include the management of clinically and socially complex cases, including multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB).
2006–2014. Innovation and the Evolution of the Care Model
In 2006, the Stop TB Strategy broadened the DOTS approach by introducing person-centred care and addressing TB/HIV co-infection. Subsequently, in 2014, the End TB Strategy further strengthened the role of research, innovation and supportive policies, all of which have been progressively incorporated into the work of Serveis Clínics.
Current activities
Currently, we continue to work in close coordination with tuberculosis programs and the different health and social professionals to guarantee adherence to treatment, early detection of potential complications and offer a comprehensive response to the needs of each person, always under criteria of quality, efficacy and efficiency.
Causes and transmission
Tuberculosis is spread through the air after prolonged contact with a person affected by tuberculosis involving the respiratory system. When the sick person coughs, sneezes or speaks, they can transmit the disease to those around them when they inhale these particles and after being exposed repeatedly. Therefore, tuberculosis is not transmitted by physical contact or by sharing objects, hugs or kisses.
Anyone can develop tuberculosis, however, the risk is higher among individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those living with HIV or receiving immunosuppressive treatment, close contacts of diagnosed cases, people experiencing homelessness, and people who use drugs.
1993. The origins of Serveis Clínics
Founded in 1993, Serveis Clínics became a publicly funded healthcare provider serving the public health system. Its establishment coincided with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) declaration of tuberculosis as a global public health emergency and the widespread adoption of the DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course) strategy as a cornerstone for improving treatment adherence and patient outcomes.
1995. Establishment of the ETODA
In 1995, the ETODA (Outpatient Directly Observed Treatment Team) was established to make treatment more accessible by delivering care in patients’ usual environments. This service provides treatment administration and supervision at home, in the workplace and in other community settings, while ensuring privacy, confidentiality and continuity of care.
2000. Specialization in Complex cases
From 2000 onwards, as drug-resistant forms of tuberculosis emerged, Serveis Clínics expanded its expertise to include the management of clinically and socially complex cases, including multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB).
2006–2014. Innovation and the Evolution of the Care Model
In 2006, the Stop TB Strategy broadened the DOTS approach by introducing person-centred care and addressing TB/HIV co-infection. Subsequently, in 2014, the End TB Strategy further strengthened the role of research, innovation and supportive policies, all of which have been progressively incorporated into the work of Serveis Clínics.
Current activities
Currently, we continue to work in close coordination with tuberculosis programs and the different health and social professionals to guarantee adherence to treatment, early detection of potential complications and offer a comprehensive response to the needs of each person, always under criteria of quality, efficacy and efficiency.
Diagnosis and treatment
The diagnosis of tuberculosis is based on simple and quick tests, such as chest X-ray and microscopic analysis and culture of respiratory samples such as sputum.
Once the diagnosis is confirmed, Treatment consists of taking specific medication for a minimum period of six months. It is essential to follow it continuously and without interruptions to ensure healing and avoid complications. People who have been in contact with a sick person should be studied and can receive treatment if they have acquired the infection even if they are not sick. Throughout the process, the health team is monitored.
1993. The origins of Serveis Clínics
Founded in 1993, Serveis Clínics became a publicly funded healthcare provider serving the public health system. Its establishment coincided with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) declaration of tuberculosis as a global public health emergency and the widespread adoption of the DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course) strategy as a cornerstone for improving treatment adherence and patient outcomes.
1995. Establishment of the ETODA
In 1995, the ETODA (Outpatient Directly Observed Treatment Team) was established to make treatment more accessible by delivering care in patients’ usual environments. This service provides treatment administration and supervision at home, in the workplace and in other community settings, while ensuring privacy, confidentiality and continuity of care.
2000. Specialization in Complex cases
From 2000 onwards, as drug-resistant forms of tuberculosis emerged, Serveis Clínics expanded its expertise to include the management of clinically and socially complex cases, including multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB).
2006–2014. Innovation and the Evolution of the Care Model
In 2006, the Stop TB Strategy broadened the DOTS approach by introducing person-centred care and addressing TB/HIV co-infection. Subsequently, in 2014, the End TB Strategy further strengthened the role of research, innovation and supportive policies, all of which have been progressively incorporated into the work of Serveis Clínics.
Current activities
Currently, we continue to work in close coordination with tuberculosis programs and the different health and social professionals to guarantee adherence to treatment, early detection of potential complications and offer a comprehensive response to the needs of each person, always under criteria of quality, efficacy and efficiency.
How we support you?
Diagnosis, treatment and follow-up are part of a process that requires time, perseverance and support.
At Serveis Clínics we accompany you at every stage of the process, offering specialised, close care adapted to your needs. We have a team of professionals with extensive experience in caring for people with tuberculosis who work in coordination to help you throughout the treatment.
- Clinical assessment and medical follow-up
- Nursing support and treatment control
- Social and emotional support
- Intervention of different professionals according to needs
1993. The origins of Serveis Clínics
Founded in 1993, Serveis Clínics became a publicly funded healthcare provider serving the public health system. Its establishment coincided with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) declaration of tuberculosis as a global public health emergency and the widespread adoption of the DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course) strategy as a cornerstone for improving treatment adherence and patient outcomes.
1995. Establishment of the ETODA
In 1995, the ETODA (Outpatient Directly Observed Treatment Team) was established to make treatment more accessible by delivering care in patients’ usual environments. This service provides treatment administration and supervision at home, in the workplace and in other community settings, while ensuring privacy, confidentiality and continuity of care.
2000. Specialization in Complex cases
From 2000 onwards, as drug-resistant forms of tuberculosis emerged, Serveis Clínics expanded its expertise to include the management of clinically and socially complex cases, including multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB).
2006–2014. Innovation and the Evolution of the Care Model
In 2006, the Stop TB Strategy broadened the DOTS approach by introducing person-centred care and addressing TB/HIV co-infection. Subsequently, in 2014, the End TB Strategy further strengthened the role of research, innovation and supportive policies, all of which have been progressively incorporated into the work of Serveis Clínics.
Current activities
Currently, we continue to work in close coordination with tuberculosis programs and the different health and social professionals to guarantee adherence to treatment, early detection of potential complications and offer a comprehensive response to the needs of each person, always under criteria of quality, efficacy and efficiency.
Frequently asked questions
Does tuberculosis always cause symptoms?
No. Tuberculosis does not always cause symptoms, and some people may have only mild symptoms. The symptoms listed above are the most common. While they can also be caused by other illnesses, people with tuberculosis often report having had them for a prolonged period of time.
Is it easy to get infected?
No. Unlike respiratory viruses, tuberculosis is not easy to catch. Infection usually requires close and prolonged contact with a person who has active tuberculosis, especially in enclosed spaces. This is why the risk of becoming infected and developing the disease is higher among household contacts and people who are exposed over a long period of time.
If I am infected, does that mean I have tuberculosis disease?
No, it is necessary to differentiate between infection and diseases. To get sick, you must have been infected first, but not all infected people end up developing the disease. Both situations can be treated, the sick person to be cured and the infected person to prevent them from getting sick.
Does tuberculosis only affect the lungs?
Although lung involvement is the most common and can cause infections, it can also affect other organs such as the lymph nodes, kidneys, larynx, spine or brain. The rest are more uncommon but can affect all organs of the body.
Do I need to do respiratory isolation? How Long?
Only people with pulmonary or laryngeal tuberculosis can infect other and therefore must comply with respiratory isolation. The isolation time depends on each person, clinical situation and response to treatment, but it is estimated that once treatment has started, most people stop transmitting the disease within a few weeks. For this reason, many people complete respiratory isolation in the hospital or center where they are referred as Serveis Clínics.
Do I have to wear a mask?
Tuberculosis is transmitted through the air, but with the right treatment the risk drops very quickly. Masks are a temporary measure to protect others while transmission could still occur. If tuberculosis has affected your lungs, it is important that you wear a surgical mask when other people are present or leave the isolation room.
The staff will use special masks (FFP2 or FFP3) to better protect themselves. You can remove the mask when your tuberculosis is no longer contagious. This should be assessed by the health professional, but it may take days or weeks after the start of treatment. If you are at home when you have just been diagnosed, especially in the first days of treatment, it is better to wear ma mask and ventilate the spaces when you are with other people. This greatly reduces the risk of transmission.
How long will the treatment last?
The treatment usually lasts about six months and is based on a combination of different antibiotics. Depending on the extent of the disease, the location or aspects such as the type of tuberculosis or adherence, among others, the duration may increase. In some types of very specific tuberculosis and in some pediatric cases, the treatment may be shorter.
What happens if it is not treated?
It is important to take the treatment as prescribed. Otherwise, the disease may progress and cause additional symptoms, lead to serious complications, become resistant to medications, or continue to be transmitted to other people.
If I am admitted, will I have to stay at the centre for the entire treatment?
If you are admitted to our centre, we will assess your individual situation and tailor our care to your needs. We will make decisions together with you, and throughout your stay you will receive all the medical, nursing, social and psychological support you may need. You can complete your treatment either at our centre or at home with the support of our community care team. The cost of your stay, diagnostic tests and treatment at our centre is fully covered by the public healthcare system.
Can I go outside?
Once you have completed the period of respiratory isolation and the medical team confirms that there is no longer a risk of transmission, you can go out and gradually re-start your usual activities. It is important that the rules of access and the schedules of the center are respected at all times, as well as the times of meals and rest times, both yours and the rest of the patients.
Can I go to work or home on weekends?
A person with tuberculosis is normally exempt from work for public health reasons and should be signed off work by their doctor. Once the isolation period has ended and the person is feeling better, each case is assessed individually to determine how they can gradually resume their daily activities, including returning to work. We will assess your situation and, when you are ready, agree on the best plan together, always prioritising your care and individual needs.
Can it be cured?
Yes, tuberculosis is curable when treatment is taken as prescribed. Most people start to feel better within a few weeks and can gradually return to their normal activities. However, even if you feel completely well, it is essential to complete the entire treatment course and follow all medical advice and follow-up appointments.
Do you want to know more?
For reliable and up-to-date information about tuberculosis, you may also consult the following resources:
- World Health Organization (WHO) to Tuberculosis
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at : Site Index | Tuberculosis (TB) | CDC
- Mayo Clinic Tuberculosis – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
- Ministry of Health / CNE – ISCIII Tuberculosis – CNE – ISCIII Web Portal
- Canal Salut – Generalitat de Catalunya–Tuberculosis. Health Channel
- Barcelona Tuberculosis Research Unit Foundation (FUITB) General information on Tuberculosis – Tuberculosis Research Unit Foundation in Barcelona
