What is tuberculosis (TB)?

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection caused by a germ called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attack the lungs, but they can also damage other parts of the body. TB spreads through the air when a person with TB of the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes or talks. If you think you have been exposed, you should go to your doctor for tests as soon as possible. You are more likely to get TB if you have a weak immune system.

Learn More:

• Health Topics at Medline Plus - This comprehensive online library service from the National Institutes of Health Medical Library (NIHML) offers numerous resources on TB. 
  
  
• The Division of Tuberculosis Elimination, of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides news items, updates, fact sheets, and recent highlights regarding TB and the effort to control and eliminate it.
  
  
• State TB Control Offices - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers a complete listing of each state office with phone, fax, and Web information.
  
  
• The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) at NIH conducts and supports basic and applied research to better understand, treat, and ultimately prevent infectious, immunologic, and allergic diseases. NIAID provides comprehensive information on TB which includes information on TB research, definitions, a visual tour of the TB cells, and more.
  
  
• The World Health Organization (WHO) is the directing and coordinating authority for health within the United Nations system. The World Free of TB site offers a global view of the mission, policies and directions the organization is taking to develop and implement long-term plans for TB prevention and control and eventual eradication.

Last Updated: 08/04/2008