R76.1: Abnormal reaction to tuberculin test

You had a skin test to show antibodies against tuberculosis bacteria. The immune system protects the body from pathogens and foreign substances. The immune system can also destroy cells in the body that have pathologically changed. Some of the immune system’s antibodies can make pathogens and foreign substances visible to the immune system. Other antibodies attack pathogens or foreign substances directly.

Tuberculosis is also abbreviated to TB. Tuberculosis is caused by certain bacteria. The bacteria are transmitted through coughing and sneezing, for example. The bacteria can remain undetected in the body for a very long time. But they can also cause severe inflammations. The bacteria trigger symptoms when the body’s defense system is weakened. For example, tuberculosis may cause fever, coughing and a feeling of weakness. It is also possible to lose weight and feel very tired.

Your skin test returned an abnormal result. This type of result can mean that there are antibodies against tuberculosis bacteria in the body. However, the test may also not have been conclusive. There are various circumstances that can influence the result of the test. These include vaccinations or medication that suppress the immune system.