Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that can affect humans and is caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

The disease most commonly affects patients lungs (pulmonary TB) but can spread to other organs (extra-pulmonary TB).

Patients can have latent TB with no symptoms, but some patients develop active TB disease, especially if their immune system is weakened.

TB is spread when people with active pulmonary TB cough, sneeze, talk, or breathe. The bacteria travel through the air in droplets which can be inhaled by others, leading to them becoming infected. This can happen even with only a small number of these bacteria.

Crowded, poorly ventilated spaces, such as prisons, transport, or crowded housing, can increase the risk of spread from person to person.

Symptoms of active TB, especially when it affects the lungs, include:

• A persistent cough (lasting more than 2–3 weeks)

• Coughing up blood or phlegm

• Chest pain, especially when breathing or coughing

• Unexplained weight loss

• Fever and night sweats

• Fatigue and weakness

• Loss of appetite

People with latent TB often don’t feel unwell and have few symptoms, however the bacteria remain in their body and could become active later. This means it is always worth testing and monitoring someone who has potentially been exposed to the bacteria.

TB is usually diagnosed through a combination of:

• Symptoms

• Chest X-rays

• laboratory tests, such as a sputum test or blood test depending on the type of TB.

If a patient is suspected to have TB, healthcare workers will carry out tests to confirm the diagnosis and make a treatment plan.

Track and trace programmes, such as contact tracing for TB, also play a vital role in identifying and supporting people who may have been exposed, regardless of their background. These programs identify anyone who may have been in contact with a TB patient so that they can get tested and start care early, and prevent further spread.

This is especially important in protecting families, communities, and those at higher risk.

TB is treatable and curable with the right medications and care.

Treatment for drug-sensitive TB (where the bacteria is not resistant) usually lasts 6 months and involves a combination of antibiotics taken daily.

It is essential for patients to complete the full course of treatment, even if symptoms improve early. This is to reduce the risk of bacteria becoming resistant to treatment.

Drug-resistant TB (MDR/XDR-TB) requires longer, more complex treatment, which often involves different medications, more side effects and poorer outcomes.

• It helps prevent serious health complications from the bacteria and the effect on the lungs and other organs.

• Reduces the risk of spreading TB to others

• Improves outcomes and reduces treatment duration in some cases

What is MDR-TB?

MDR-TB stands for Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis.

It is a type of TB that doesn’t respond to the two main TB medicines Isoniazid and Rifampicin.

This makes it much harder to treat than regular TB, and treatment takes longer, often with more side effects.

What is XDR-TB?

XDR-TB stands for Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis.
It’s a rare but an even more serious form of drug-resistant TB. XDR-TB is resistant to:

• Isoniazid and Rifampicin (the two main TB drugs)

• Any fluoroquinolone (a second-line antibiotic)

• At least one additional second-line injectable drug

This makes XDR-TB extremely difficult to treat and requires highly specialised care.

Is MDR/XDR-TB curable?

Yes, but it requires longer and more complex treatment, often involving different medications over 12–24 months. Early diagnosis and expert care are essential for better outcomes.

Most often, it happens when TB treatment isn’t completed. For example, if someone stops taking their medication too early or doesn’t take it regularly.

It can also be transmitted directly from another person who has drug-resistant TB.

Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR‑TB) is a form of TB that doesn’t respond to the most effective first-line medicines. It’s harder to treat, requires longer treatment with more side effects, and has lower treatment success rates.

In 2023, only about 40% of people with drug-resistant TB received the treatment they needed. This is a risk to communities where a potentially difficult to treat infection could spread.

Yes!

TB remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases in the world.
In 2023, it caused an estimated 1.25 million deaths, surpassing even COVID‑19 as the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent.

Who is most affected by TB?

TB is strongly linked with poverty and vulnerable groups. It disproportionately affects people who are:

• Living in overcrowded or poorly ventilated housing

• Experiencing malnutrition or homelessness

• Living with HIV/AIDS

• In contact with health systems that are under-resourced

These factors make TB not just a medical issue, but also a social justice issue!

TB can affect anyone, and cases still occur in the UK.

Many people with TB have lived, worked, or travelled in countries where TB is more common.

Supporting access to diagnosis and treatment protects individuals, families, and the wider communities, no matter where someone was born.

TB is an infectious disease that spreads through the air. If even one person goes untreated, they can unknowingly infect others. In a community, everyone’s health is connected.

Excluding people from care doesn't just put them at risk, it puts public health at risk too! The NHS provides free TB diagnosis and treatment to everyone, regardless of immigration status, because controlling TB is a national health priority.

Tackling it effectively means ensuring everyone has access to care.

No one should be afraid to seek care!

Yes!

In the UK, TB diagnosis and treatment are free of charge for everyone, regardless of immigration or residency status. This helps to protect everyone in the community. Diagnosing and treating people earlier helps to limit the spread and protect those most vulnerable without socio-economic barriers.