Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Definition
Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a bacterium that causes tuberculosis (TB), a contagious airborne disease primarily affecting the lungs. It spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis that mainly affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body.
Airborne transmission: Airborne transmission refers to the spread of infectious agents through tiny particles suspended in the air, which can be inhaled by others.
Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria develop the ability to survive and grow despite exposure to antibiotics, making it harder to treat infections.