label: pulmonary tuberculosis
label_lc: pulmonary tuberculosis
description: A bacterial infection that affects the lungs and is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Most patients with tuberculosis do not have symptoms (latent tuberculosis) and are not contagious. When signs and symptoms occur (active tuberculosis), patients become contagious. The signs and symptoms include chronic cough with blood-tinged sputum, night sweats, fever, fatigue, and weight loss.