About TB

TB is an infectious illness caused by airborne bacteria. It can cause serious health problems – particularly if it is not caught early. But TB is curable, and testing and treatment are free in the UK.

For specific information about TB in the UK, please visit our sister site The Truth About TB.

What is TB?

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infection caused by a bacterium, Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB bacteria are released into the air when someone with infectious TB coughs or sneezes.

Global TB challenges

Of the nine million people who become ill with TB every year, three million of them don’t get the care they need.

Statistics and targets

Every day, more than 24,000 people fall ill with TB, and more than 4,000 of them die – despite the fact that TB is curable.

TB in time

TB has been with us for thousands of years. Evidence of TB has been found in Egyptian mummies, and the disease was thought to be common in both ancient Greece and Imperial Rome.

TB dictionary

Our handy TB dictionary can help you find out the meaning of all those terms you may hear if you’re being treated for TB or supporting someone through their treatment.