Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs. It is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria spreads from person to person through the air, typically when an infected person speaks, coughs, or sneezes.
Individuals’ active TB disease can also spread the infection to others through their bodily fluids. Despite the availability of effective treatments, TB remains a significant public health concern, particularly in developing countries.