Tuberculosis (TB) is an infection with a type of bacteria that attacks and destroys body tissue. This bacteria is called Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (MTB) and is transmitted through the air.
Many patients often have TB infection in the incubation period, called latent TB. After a period of time, depending on the patient’s health, from a few weeks to a few years, the TB bacteria become active and cause symptoms. Then tuberculosis appeared.
Especially if the patient has a weakened immune system, such as during HIV, cancer or chemotherapy, TB will develop faster. The disease usually affects the lungs but can spread (spread) to the bones, lymph nodes, nervous system, heart, and other organs.