Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and can affect any part of the body, but most commonly the lungs (pulmonary).

Only TB of the lung or of the throat can be infectious. This infection is generally transmitted by prolonged and/or frequent contact with an infected person. The bacteria enters the body through the lungs by breathing. It can however travel through the blood and infect other organs causing non-pulmonary forms of TB.

A few years ago TB was thought to be a disease of the past, particularly in the developed world. However, even in the United Kingdom the disease continues to be a significant challenge due to:

• Immunosuppressive conditions (e.g. HIV, immunosuppressive therapy)
• Immigration
• Increasing non-compliance with testing and treatment protocols

To learn more about current guidelines, visit the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence website here.