The people who have an increased risk of tuberculosis be screened for latent TB infection. This recommendation includes people who:
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Have HIV/AIDS
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Use IV drugs
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Are in contact with infected people
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Are from a country where TB is common, such as several countries in Latin America, Africa and Asia
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Live or work in areas where TB is common, such as prisons or nursing homes
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Work in health care and treat people with a high risk of TB
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Are children who are exposed to adults at risk of TB
Drug-resistant TB
Tuberculosis also remains a major killer because of the increase in drug-resistant strains. Over time, some TB germs have developed the ability to survive despite medications. This is partly because people don't take their drugs as directed or don't complete the course of treatment.
Several conditions and medications can weaken your immune system, including:
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HIV/AIDS
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Diabetes
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Severe kidney disease
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Certain cancers
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Cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy
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Drugs to prevent rejection of transplanted organs
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Some drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease and psoriasis
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Malnutrition or low body weight
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Very young or advanced age