M. tuberculosis (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a type of bacteria that causes tuberculosis (TB), a serious infectious disease mainly affecting the lungs but can also impact other parts of the body. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The bacteria are hardy and can survive in the environment for a short time. Not everyone infected shows symptoms; some develop active TB with cough, fever, and weight loss, while others carry the bacteria without symptoms (latent TB). Treatment involves antibiotics over several months to fully eliminate the bacteria and prevent spread.