What is TB? Tuberculosis is caused by an infection with
Mycobacterium tuberculosis, rod-shaped bacteria that are spread
mostly through air-born droplets or dust micro-particles of
dried sputum. Once inhaled, the body’s immune system typically
reacts by engulfing the bacteria, forming a tubercle that
contains the bacteria to help keep it from spreading. In most
cases, the bacteria will die; in others, however, the bacteria
can survive, become dormant, and the infected individual may
develop active disease at a later date, sometimes soon after
infection, sometimes years later. (more…)