An infectious disease caused by bacteria of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, most commonly affecting the lungs but capable of affecting other organs.
Tuberculosis (TB) is primarily transmitted through the air when a person with infectious pulmonary or laryngeal TB releases bacteria into the environment. Infection does not always result in active disease; some people develop latent tuberculosis infection, in which bacteria remain in the body without causing active illness.
Active TB can cause symptoms such as prolonged cough, fever, night sweats, weight loss, and fatigue, although presentation varies.
QUICK FACT
A person can have tuberculosis infection without having active tuberculosis disease.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
Pneumonia: pneumonia describes infection or inflammation of lung tissue from various causes; tuberculosis is a specific infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex.
SEE ALSO
