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What Is TB IGG And TB IGM ?
Hi Doctor , My mother is around 47 yrs old now. She has recently been tested for MT skin test and turned positive for TB. Though Doctor has not confirmed which part of the of body has been infected. Her TB Igg test came out positive (470 serounits) and TB Igm as negative (0.6 serounits). What does her TB Igg and TB Igm tests say? Are they a matter of concern here? What can be the treatment that doctor may suggest?
Wed, 25 Jan 2012
Hi Kittu,
TB IgG and IgM have absolutely no role in diagnosis of TB. Since MT was positive, it means she is having tb infection and this does not necessarily mean that she is having tb disease. Let me mention here that 1/3rd of the Indian population is infected with TB! A lot will depend on her symptoms and accordingly she needs to be treated. TB infection need not be treated in our country, TB disease has to be treated.
Hope I have answered the query.
Regards,
Dr. Gyanshankar Mishra
MBBS MD DNB
TB IgG and IgM have absolutely no role in diagnosis of TB. Since MT was positive, it means she is having tb infection and this does not necessarily mean that she is having tb disease. Let me mention here that 1/3rd of the Indian population is infected with TB! A lot will depend on her symptoms and accordingly she needs to be treated. TB infection need not be treated in our country, TB disease has to be treated.
Hope I have answered the query.
Regards,
Dr. Gyanshankar Mishra
MBBS MD DNB
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Hi Kittu,
A positive TB IgG test with a negative TB IgM indicates that your mother has been exposed to the tubercle bacilli in the past. It does not indicate that she is currently suffering from TB.
If your mother is symptomatic, your doctor may prescribe a full course of anti-tuberculosis treatment which is to be taken for a minimum period of 6 months. It may be extended further based on several factors such as ger response to treatment, the site of infection, etc.
A positive TB IgG test with a negative TB IgM indicates that your mother has been exposed to the tubercle bacilli in the past. It does not indicate that she is currently suffering from TB.
If your mother is symptomatic, your doctor may prescribe a full course of anti-tuberculosis treatment which is to be taken for a minimum period of 6 months. It may be extended further based on several factors such as ger response to treatment, the site of infection, etc.
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Hi Kittu, Welcome to HealthcareMagic Forum.
You haven't mentioned what exactly are your Mother's symptoms? High Levels of IgG antibody of TB suggests Chronic Infection. If IgM values were to be higher it suggests a New Infection. Since it is confirmed she will have to take Anti-TB medications for 3 to 6 Months to one complete year for complete recovery as there will be chances of Relapse of the Infection is the course is not completed. Take her for regular follow up.
She should eat healthy nutritious balanced diet which should include fresh fruits and Green leafy vegetables along with Protein rich foods like Eggs, milk, chicken, fish etc.. As this will improve her immunity and will help her fight the Infection better. She should be exercising regularly and taking adequate rest.
I Wish her Good Health, Take Care.
You haven't mentioned what exactly are your Mother's symptoms? High Levels of IgG antibody of TB suggests Chronic Infection. If IgM values were to be higher it suggests a New Infection. Since it is confirmed she will have to take Anti-TB medications for 3 to 6 Months to one complete year for complete recovery as there will be chances of Relapse of the Infection is the course is not completed. Take her for regular follow up.
She should eat healthy nutritious balanced diet which should include fresh fruits and Green leafy vegetables along with Protein rich foods like Eggs, milk, chicken, fish etc.. As this will improve her immunity and will help her fight the Infection better. She should be exercising regularly and taking adequate rest.
I Wish her Good Health, Take Care.
I find this answer helpful
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