What type of disease classification does tuberculosis fall under?

Tuberculosis is classified as an infectious disease because it is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which can be transmitted from person to person through the air. When someone with active tuberculosis coughs or sneezes, they release tiny droplets containing the bacteria into the air, where others can inhale them. This mode of transmission is typical of infectious diseases, which are caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Essential aspects of infectious diseases include their capacity for transmission and their ability to cause illness when an individual's immune system is unable to control the pathogen effectively.

In contrast, autoimmune diseases arise when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. Cancers involve the uncontrolled growth and proliferation of abnormal cells, leading to tumor formation. Metabolic disorders refer to conditions that disrupt normal metabolic processes in the body, often relating to hormonal or enzymatic issues. Since tuberculosis is primarily characterized by its infectious nature, the classification as an infectious disease is the most accurate and fitting.