Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB primarily affects the lungs (pulmonary tuberculosis), but it can also impact other parts of the body (extrapulmonary tuberculosis). TB spreads through airborne particles, typically when a person with an active pulmonary infection coughs, sneezes, or speaks, releasing bacteria into the air. Clinical symptoms of active tuberculosis include a persistent cough, chest pain, hemoptysis, fatigue, weight loss, fever, and night sweats. Not everyone infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis develops active TB; many carry the bacterium without symptoms (latent tuberculosis). While latent TB is not contagious, it can progress to active TB, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems. TB is a major global health issue, particularly in developing countries, with significant efforts dedicated to its diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Treatment usually involves a lengthy course of multiple antibiotics, and adherence to the treatment regimen is crucial to prevent the development of drug-resistant strains of the bacterium.