Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis that primarily affects the lungs, though it can affect other parts of the body. TB spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. There are two forms:
Latent TB Infection (LTBI): The bacteria are present in your body but inactive. You have no symptoms and are not contagious. However, latent TB can become active if left untreated.
Active TB Disease: The bacteria are active, causing symptoms, and the person can spread TB to others.