Tuberculosis is an infectious disease of human beings and animals caused by a bacteria called M. Tuberculosis (or MTB). It is characterized by the formation of nodules on the lungs and other tissues of the body. After exposure to the bacteria, only 10 percent of people will go on to become ill with it (develop active disease). MTB is a bacterial disease that most often affects the lungs. People of all ages can catch the disease, but people with lowered immunity have a higher risk of getting MTB. Those at high risk include:
* those who live in institutions or who are homeless,
* IV drug users and chronic alcoholics,
* those who are malnourished,
* those with other diseases such as diabetes, HIV, and cancer.
* the young and the elderly, and
* those from areas with high MTB.

The symptoms of MTB usually begin with a low fever and a non-productive cough. Other symptoms are:
* weight loss,
* coughing up blood,
* tiredness,
* night sweats, and
* chest pain.

Some people who have MTB may have only a few or no symptoms at all. A person can catch MTB by breathing in the bacteria. The bacteria gets into the air when a person who has MTB sneezes, talks or coughs. If the person who has MTB is being treated for the infection and is taking their medication, they can not spread the disease. Symptoms can begin anywhere from two months to several years after you have been exposed.

The treatment for MTB requires a combination of different medications. Treatment takes at least 6 months. Different people may require different combinations of medications for longer times. Recently, certain types of MTB have become resistant to medications, making it harder to treat.

MTB skin testing can help tell if you have been exposed to MTB. Those who work in prisons, hospitals and long term care facilities should be tested yearly. Check with your health care provider to find out how often you should be tested. If you have been exposed or you develop active MTB disease, be sure to take all of your medications as ordered.

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