Topic Overview

What is tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that usually affects the lungs (pulmonary TB), but can affect other parts of the body (extrapulmonary TB).

• Topic Overview
• Cause
• Symtoms
• What Happens
• What Increases Your Risk
• When To Call a Doctor
• Exams and Tests
• Treatment Overview
• Prevention
• Home Treatment
• Medications
• Surgery

Tuberculosis is classified as latent or active.

In latent TB , the body's immune system has walled off (encapsulated) the bacteria into tiny capsules called tubercles. Although the TB-causing bacteria are in your body, you cannot spread the infection to others. However, you are at risk for developing active TB if your immune system becomes weakened.

In active TB , the infection is spreading in your body and, if your lungs are infected, you can spread the disease to others