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Tuberculosis (TB): Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Benjamin Seth Martinez | MD

Medically reviewed by Benjamin Seth Martinez | MD, Statpearls - Director of Clinical Content on June 19th, 2023.

Key Takeaways

  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis spreads through airborne droplets that can remain suspended in poorly ventilated spaces for hours, making transmission possible even without direct contact.

  • Active infection symptoms include persistent cough lasting over 3 weeks, night sweats, and coughing up blood, while latent TB causes no symptoms but can reactivate years later when immunity weakens.

  • HIV patients are 20-30 times more likely to develop active TB, and diabetes triples the risk by impairing immune function and making treatment less effective.

  • Standard treatment requires 6-9 months of four antibiotics (isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, pyrazinamide) taken daily—stopping early creates drug-resistant strains that are much harder to cure.

  • Latent infection affects one-quarter of the global population and requires 3-9 months of preventive antibiotics to avoid reactivation, especially before starting immunosuppressive medications.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs but can also spread to other parts of the body. Caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, TB has been a major health concern for centuries. In this article, we'll explore the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of tuberculosis.

What Causes Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis is caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, which spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, laughs, or sings. You can contract TB by inhaling these bacteria, but it's important to note that not everyone infected with TB will develop active symptoms.

Tuberculosis Risk Factors

Certain factors can increase your risk of contracting tuberculosis, including:

  • Close contact with someone who has active TB

  • Living in or traveling to areas where TB is common

  • Working or living in high-risk settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, or correctional facilities

  • Having a weakened immune system due to conditions like HIV/AIDS, diabetes, or certain medications

  • Being a smoker

Symptoms of Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis can exist in two forms: latent TB and active TB. Latent TB doesn't present any symptoms, as the bacteria are dormant in the body. However, active TB can cause the following symptoms:

  • A persistent cough lasting more than three weeks

  • Chest pain

  • Coughing up blood or sputum

  • Fatigue

  • Night sweats

  • Chills

  • Fever

  • Loss of appetite and weight loss

Tuberculosis (TB): Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Diagnosing Tuberculosis

To diagnose tuberculosis, your doctor may perform the following tests:

  • Tuberculin skin test (Mantoux test)

  • Interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) blood test

  • Chest X-ray or CT scan

  • Sputum tests to detect TB bacteria

Treating Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is treatable with antibiotics. The standard treatment for active TB usually involves a combination of four drugs: isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide. Treatment typically lasts 6 to 9 months, and it's crucial to complete the entire course of medication to prevent drug-resistant strains from developing.

For latent TB, treatment usually involves taking isoniazid or rifampin for several months to prevent the infection from becoming active.

Preventing Tuberculosis

To help prevent the spread of tuberculosis, consider the following measures:

  • If you have latent TB, complete your prescribed treatment to prevent it from becoming active and contagious.

  • If you have active TB, limit contact with others, cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing, and wear a surgical mask until you're no longer contagious.

  • Ensure proper ventilation in your living space.

  • If traveling to areas where TB is common, avoid prolonged contact with people who may be infected.

For more information on tuberculosis, visit the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or consult your local health department.

If you suspect you may have tuberculosis or have been exposed to someone with active TB, consult your healthcare provider immediately. Early detection and treatment are essential for managing the disease and preventing its spread.

The Bottom Line

Completing the full antibiotic course is critical since incomplete treatment creates dangerous drug-resistant strains that can require 18-24 months of more toxic medications. Early detection through testing is essential for people with risk factors like HIV, diabetes, or recent exposure. If you're experiencing a persistent cough or have concerns about exposure, Doctronic can help assess your symptoms and guide next steps.

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