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Tuberculosis (TB)

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What is Tuberculosis?

Active tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. bovis). TB usually affects the lungs and spreads through the air when a person sick with TB coughs. Not everyone infected with the bacteria becomes sick. Those who have been infected, but are not sick, have latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). Persons with LTBI can become sick with active TB in the future if they are not treated. 

TB in San Diego County

Review updated Tuberculosis (TB) in San Diego County 

  • In 2025, San Diego County reported 265 new active TB diagnoses, a 7% increase compared to 247 in 2024.Case rates in 2025 were 8.0 new active TB diagnoses per 100,000 persons 

  • 85% of active TB cases are due to the progression of Latent Tuberculosis Infection (LTBI) to active TB. 

  • About 175,000 San Diegans have LTBI which can develop into active TB without treatment.  

Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis)

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M. bovis, is another type of germ that can causes TB disease in people.

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Often found in Southern California due to the state’s proximity to Mexico, M. bovis is contracted through the ingestion of unpasteurized milk or milk products. ​​​

TB in San Diego County
TB Skin Test
What is Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis Skin Test (TST)

Watch the Mantoux Tuberculin Skin Test Video from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to learn about appropriate TST placement and how to read results. 

Webinars

TB Webinars

​1. Epidemiology of Childhood TB  (00:00:06)

2. TB Exposure in Children (00:39:50)

3. Radiologic Manifestations of Pediatric TB (1:42:20)

4. What can a Low-Burden TB Setting Contribute to Global Childhood TB Care & Prevention  (2:35:17)

5. Diagnosis & Management of Childhood TB (3:39:28)

6. Diagnosis & Treatment of LTBI and Adolescent TB (4:48:04)

7. TB Meningitis (6:12:00)

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Resources
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