Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by bacteria - specifically, Mycobacterium tuberculosis - that spread through the air when someone with active tuberculosis sneezes, coughs, or talks. If you breathe in these bacteria and become infected, you may carry the bacteria without ever becoming sick; this is known as a latent tuberculosis infection. However, if your immune system can't fight the bacteria, you may develop active tuberculosis within weeks or even years of being exposed. Only people with active TB can spread the disease, and only through the air. Touching and kissing do not spread tuberculosis.
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