Tuberculosis (TB) Basics

Learn About TB

Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attack the lungs, but TB bacteria can attack any part of the body such as the kidney, spine, and brain. Not everyone infected with TB bacteria becomes sick. As a result, two TB-related conditions exist: latent TB infection (LTBI) and TB disease. If not treated properly, TB disease can be fatal.

Preventing the spread of TB and helping people live safer, healthier lives requires a collaborative effort between partners at the national, state, and local levels. CDC offers many resources for partners to use in their education and prevention efforts. Explore the options below to learn more about the basics of TB.