The common name for the disease known as "tuberculosis" is TB. It is a contagious infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs but can also impact other parts of the body. TB spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms of TB include a persistent cough, weight loss, night sweats, and fever. With proper medical treatment using a course of antibiotics, TB can be cured. Despite being preventable and treatable, tuberculosis remains a significant global health challenge, particularly in areas with limited access to healthcare.