Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium
called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria spread through
the air when an infectious person sneezes, coughs, or talks. If
a non-infected person inhales these germs, called bacilli, she
or he can become infected. Many people who have TB infection
never develop TB disease because the TB bacteria may remain
inactive, or latent, throughout their lifetime. Individuals that
have latent TB infection (LTBI) cannot spread the disease, but
can be treated to prevent infection from developing into TB
disease. In some people, especially those with weak immune
systems, the TB bacilli may become active, leading to TB
disease. People with TB disease can be cured if they obtain
medical evaluation and appropriate medication. The
antimicrobials that kill TB germs are specific for tuberculosis.