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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: Yes, you can get tuberculosis (TB). TB is an infectious disease primarily caused by a bacterium called *Mycobacterium tuberculosis*. It most commonly affects the lungs but can also spread to other parts of the body, such as the brain, spine, and kidneys.

Key Facts

TB is caused by the bacterium *Mycobacterium tuberculosis*.
It is an airborne disease transmitted when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks.
TB can remain dormant in the body and reactivate later.
Symptoms vary depending on the affected body part but often include persistent cough, fever, and weight loss.
TB is preventable with vaccination and treatable with antibiotics, though drug-resistant strains pose a significant challenge.

Overview

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infectious disease that has plagued humanity for centuries. It is primarily caused by a type of bacteria known as *Mycobacterium tuberculosis*. While TB most commonly targets the lungs, it has the potential to spread and affect other vital organs like the brain, spine, kidneys, and lymph nodes. The disease exists in two main forms: latent TB infection and active TB disease. In latent TB infection, the bacteria are present in the body but are inactive, meaning they don't cause symptoms and are not contagious. However, the bacteria are still alive and can become active later. Active TB disease occurs when the bacteria multiply and cause symptoms, making the individual contagious and requiring immediate medical attention.

The transmission of TB is primarily airborne. When a person with active pulmonary TB coughs, sneezes, sings, or speaks, they release tiny droplets containing the bacteria into the air. These droplets can then be inhaled by others, leading to infection. Factors such as close contact with an infected individual, living in crowded conditions, and weakened immune systems can significantly increase the risk of contracting TB. Despite being preventable and treatable, TB remains a major global health concern, especially in low-income countries and among vulnerable populations.

How It Works

Transmission: TB is spread through the air. When an individual with active TB in their lungs coughs, sneezes, or talks, they expel airborne particles containing the *Mycobacterium tuberculosis* bacteria. These particles can remain suspended in the air for several hours.
Inhalation and Infection: When a susceptible person inhales these airborne particles, the bacteria can enter their lungs. The body's immune system typically tries to fight off the infection, often by forming a protective barrier around the bacteria. This can lead to a latent TB infection.
Latent vs. Active TB: In most cases, the immune system successfully contains the bacteria, and the person remains asymptomatic, with no signs of active disease. This is known as latent TB infection. However, if the immune system weakens over time due to illness, age, or certain medications, the bacteria can become active again, leading to active TB disease.
Symptoms and Spread: Active TB disease can manifest with a range of symptoms, including a persistent cough (sometimes with blood), chest pain, fever, night sweats, unintended weight loss, and fatigue. If TB affects other parts of the body, symptoms will correspond to the affected organ. Active TB is contagious, meaning it can be transmitted to others.

Key Comparisons

Feature	Latent TB Infection	Active TB Disease
Bacteria Present	Yes, but inactive	Yes, active and multiplying
Contagious	No	Yes
Symptoms	None	Present (e.g., cough, fever, weight loss)
Treatment	May not require treatment or treatment to prevent progression	Requires a course of antibiotics
Immune System Control	Bacteria are contained	Bacteria are not effectively contained

Why It Matters

Global Health Burden: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), TB is one of the top infectious killers worldwide, claiming approximately 1.6 million lives in 2021. This highlights the critical need for continued global efforts in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Drug Resistance: A significant challenge in combating TB is the rise of drug-resistant strains, particularly multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB). These forms are harder to treat, require longer and more toxic treatment regimens, and are more expensive, posing a substantial threat to public health.
Impact on Vulnerable Populations: TB disproportionately affects marginalized and vulnerable populations, including those living with HIV, people in poverty, individuals who inject drugs, and those in overcrowded living conditions. Addressing the social determinants of health is crucial for TB control.

Understanding how TB spreads, its different forms, and the global impact is paramount. While it remains a formidable disease, advancements in diagnostics, treatments, and preventative measures, such as the BCG vaccine, continue to offer hope. Early detection and completion of treatment are key to curing TB and preventing its further spread, ultimately contributing to its global eradication.