What does tuberculosis antibody positive mean

When the examination shows that the tuberculosis antibody is positive, it does not necessarily mean that the patient has tuberculosis, but it is certain that the patient has been infected with tuberculosis bacteria before, which has relatively important clinical significance. For people infected with tuberculosis, if their immunity is poor, they are likely to develop pulmonary tuberculosis or other tuberculosis diseases.

Clinical significance

(1) It causes lymphangitis and lymphadenopathy, and chest X-ray shows a dumbbell-shaped shadow. This is the first infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is more common in children.

(2) Chronic granulomatous inflammation, forming tuberculous nodules, fibrosis or caseous necrosis. The lesions often occur at the apex of the lung. More common in adults.

People who need to be checked:

Patients suspected of systemic miliary tuberculosis, tuberculous meningitis, chronic granulomatous inflammation, formation of tuberculous nodules, fibrosis or caseous necrosis. Or if you have the following conditions:

(1) Clinical manifestations of meningitis

(2) CSF biochemistry consistent with tuberculous meningitis

(3) Some cases are accompanied by extracerebral tuberculosis

(4) Effective anti-tuberculosis treatment

A positive tuberculosis antibody test means that there is tuberculosis infection. People who are infected with tuberculosis bacteria may develop tuberculosis. So in this case you should go to the hospital for a check-up, such as taking a chest X-ray to see if you have tuberculosis. If you have active TB, you need treatment.

A positive tuberculosis antibody test does not mean that you have tuberculosis. As long as you have been infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the test result will be positive. It is only a reference for diagnosing tuberculosis. The vast majority of Chinese people have been infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, but only a small number of people with low immunity will develop pulmonary tuberculosis. In addition, antibodies against BCG vaccination will also be positive. If you don't have any other lung discomfort, there's no need to worry. If you are really worried, just go to the hospital for a PPD test or a chest X-ray.