Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium. When someone with TB coughs or sneezes, the bacteria are expelled into the air and can be inhaled by others. If breathed in, the bacteria initially infect the lungs. In the lungs, the bacteria can multiply and cause lesions and inflammation. Other types of microorganisms besides bacteria, such as viruses, can also cause infectious disease. When the body is exposed to TB bacteria, it mounts an immune response to fight the infection by using white blood cells, antibodies, and other mechanisms of defense.