Is tuberculosis a hereditary disease?
Patient: Hello doctor, I had kept a maid to take care of my daughter who is 1 and a half years old.She was with her for three months taking care of her.One day the maid fell sick and coughed up blood once.After that I discontinued her services immediately.This episode is now two months old.I got the maid s sputum test done for tuberculosis which was negative.However on questioning her she told me that her father had died of tuberculosis 14 years ago.Other members in her family include two sisters,mother and one brother.I also got a digital xray done and a helical CT CHEST,both of which were normal.I want to ask of there is a chance that she may be suffering from active tuberculosis given her symptoms and family history of tuberculosis. Thanks Doctor: Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.I can understand your concern. No, tuberculosis is not hereditary disease. It is infectious disease caused by bacteria, mycobacterium tuberculosis. It spread by droplet infection in coughing, sneezing etc. Since your maid had negative sputum test and HRCT thorax, no need to worry for active tuberculosis in her. So your daughter is also not at risk of tuberculosis. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wishing good health to your daughter. Thanks.