Causes of Tuberculosis

Cause of Tuberculosis: Various mycobacterium classes such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis.

Cause details for Tuberculosis: Most people infected with M. tuberculosis never develop active TB. However, in people with weakened immune systems, especially those infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, the cause of AIDS), TB organisms may overcome the body's defenses, multiply, and cause active disease. Each year, 8 million people worldwide develop active TB and 3 million die.¹

Underlying condition causes of Tuberculosis: The list of possible underlying conditions (see also Misdiagnosis of underlying causes of Tuberculosis) mentioned in various sources as possible causes of Tuberculosis includes:

• AIDS
• Immunodeficiency
• Pneumoconiosis - in coal mine workers
• Malnutrition
• Alcoholism

Tuberculosis as a complication: Other conditions that might have Tuberculosis as a complication might be potential underlying causes of Tuberculosis. The list of conditions listing Tuberculosis as a complication in our database includes:

• Latent tuberculosis
• Silicosis
• Whooping Cough

Related information for causes of Tuberculosis: Further relevant information on causes of Tuberculosis may be found in the risk factors for Tuberculosis and underlying causes of Tuberculosis.

Footnotes:
1. excerpt from Tuberculosis, NIAID Fact Sheet: NIAID

Last revision: June 23, 2003

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