Tuberculosis is a contagious infection that usually attacks your lungs. It can also spread to other parts of your body, like your brain and spine. TB is caused by a type of bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Imagine TB as an aggressive hacker trying to break into your computer system (your body). If successful, they start corrupting files (damaging tissues), especially focusing on one main server (the lungs).
Mycobacterium tuberculosis: This bacterium causes TB. It spreads from person to person through microscopic droplets released into the air when someone with untreated TB coughs or sneezes.
Latent TB Infection: In this condition, you have a TB infection, but the bacteria remain in your body in an inactive state and cause no symptoms.
Active TB Disease: This condition occurs when the bacteria become active in the body and cause symptoms; it's contagious.
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