Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria called mycobacterium tuberculosis. It affects mainly the lungs in pulmonary tuberculosis but can also infect other organs of the body. Tuberculosis is an airborne disease and is spread through the inhalation of droplets that disperse in the air when an infected person (with active tuberculosis) sneezes, coughs or laughs.
If not treated promptly and properly, active tuberculosis can lead to serious health complications. Not everyone with a tuberculosis infection becomes sick and develops symptoms, ie. develops active tuberculosis. In some people, the bacteria can remain dormant and not cause any symptoms.