Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the bacterium that causes tuberculosis (TB). Although tuberculosis bacteria typically infect the lungs, they can also infect the kidney, spine, and brain. Not everyone infected with tuberculosis becomes ill.

As a result, tuberculosis (TB) is classified into two types: latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and TB disease.

Tuberculosis can be fatal if not treated properly.Tuberculosis bacteria spread from person to person through the air. TB bacteria can enter the air when a person with tuberculosis of the lungs or throat coughs, speaks or sings.

People in the area may breathe in the bacteria and become infected.