Other parts of the body can also be affected, for example, lymph nodes, kidneys, bones, joints, etc. Tuberculosis can affect anyone of any age.
Tuberculosis is spread through the air.
When a person with tuberculosis, who is not taking tuberculosis medication, coughs or sneezes, the germs get into the air. Prolonged exposure to the tuberculosis organisms is normally necessary for infection to occur. Tuberculosis infection may result after close contact with a person who has tuberculosis disease. Tuberculosis infection is determined by a significant reaction to the mantoux skin test with no symptoms of tuberculosis, and no TB organisms found in the sputum. Tuberculosis disease is characterized by the appearance of symptoms, a significant reaction to a mantoux skin test and organisms found in the sputum.