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Mycobacterium tuberculosis

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.

Related terms

Tuberculosis (TB): 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: Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria develop the ability to survive and grow despite exposure to antibiotics, making it harder to treat infections.

"Mycobacterium tuberculosis" appears in:

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.