Infectious Diseases >> Tuberculosis

Causes

There are various causes of tuberculosis infection.

• Bacterial infection.
• Spreading of TB bacteria through the air by the sneeze or cough of an infected person.
• Poor, migrant farm workers, the homeless those who live in crowded or unsanitary areas. People from nations with high rates of TB, such as countries in Latin America, Asia, or Africa, may harbor the TB bacteria and be at risk for becoming sick.
• People with weakened immune systems, such as those infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or undergoing treatment for cancer, are at greater risk for TB.
• Infants, the elderly, people with diabetes, intravenous drug users, the malnourished, health-care workers, and family members of those with TB.