Blood Test that Predicts Risk of Tuberculosis (TB)

Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is the world's leading cause of death due to a single pathogen. It spreads from one person to another by inhaling droplets released into the atmosphere when a person with active TB speaks, coughs, or sneezes. A newly developed blood test has been shown to more accurately predict the development of tuberculosis in persons living in close contact with someone suffering from active TB.