Who is at risk for developing active TB?

The risk for developing active infection is much higher if someone’s immune system is weak.  People at the extremes of age (either very young or very old) often have weak immune systems. Medical conditions that cause a weakened immune system include:

• Drug/substance use
• HIV/AIDS
• Diabetes
• Organ transplant
• Chronic steroid treatment for conditions such as organ transplant
• Kidney disease
• Certain cancers
• Treatments for autoimmune diseases such as Crohn’s, Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis.