If inhaled by a healthy person, they can lead to infection with the bacteria which causes tuberculosis. However, in 10 percent or so of people infected, active TB disease will develop, often with symptoms of cough, night sweats, loss of weight, coughing up blood, etc. So, there is no risk of spread of tuberculosis from importation of items. One form of tuberculosis, bovine tuberculosis, was quite common in the last century, and was spread from milk. Pasteurization of milk has virtually eliminated the bovine form of tuberculosis.
Tuberculosis is caused by a bacteria, Mycobacteria tuberculosis .
The airline filtering system does not destroy the tuberculosis bacteria. However, the filtering system also does not appear to spread the bacteria through the cabin. The risk did not extend to passengers in other areas receiving recirculated air. In person Hear disease experts in person through a special lecture series sponsored by the American Museum of Natural History. Discovery Communications Inc.