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Mostly affecting the lungs but perhaps extending to other organs including the brain, kidneys, and spine, tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection brought on by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. When an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes, airborne droplets help to spread it.

Two forms of TB exist: active TB, which causes disease and can be passed on to others, and latent TB, in which the germs lie quiescent without symptoms. Active TB symptoms include coughing up blood, fever, night sweats, coughing over three weeks, weight loss, and chest pain.

Skin testing, blood tests, chest X-rays, and sputum analysis provide the basis of diagnosis. Usually lasting 6–9 months, treatment consists of a long-term antibiotic course, utilising antibiotics such as isoniazid, rifampin, ethambozol, and pyrazinamide. Inadequate treatment can result in drug-resistant TB, which complicates cure attempts.

Early detection, the BCG vaccination, and appropriate ventilation in congested spaces constitute part of prevention. Globally, efforts against tuberculosis centre on raising awareness, ensuring patients finish their treatment, and enhancing healthcare access.

Though timely diagnosis, medication adherence, and public health campaigns can help control and finally eradicate TB, the illness still causes a major global health issue.