Respiratory tuberculosis, confirmed

**Definition:** A disease of the respiratory tract, caused by an infection with the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which has been confirmed by laboratory testing. This disease is characterised by chronic cough, and sputum production that may be haemorrhagic. Transmission is commonly by inhalation of infected respiratory secretions. Confirmation is by identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in clinical samples.

**Long definition:** Respiratory tuberculosis is a bacterial infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex that includes Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium bovis, Mycobacterium africanuum, and Mycobacterium canettii, into pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchus, lung, or the other respiratory tracts. It can be transmitted by airborne spread. Respiratory tuberculosis presents the symptoms such as chronic cough, sputum production, or haemoptysis. Hoarseness, dysphonia and dysphagia can arise if the upper airway is involved by tuberculosis. Respiratory tuberculosis is diagnosed by sputum smear microscopy and mycobacterial culture, or tissue biopsy. This category refers to respiratory tuberculosis that has been bacteriologically and histologically confirmed.