Can you get tuberculosis from kissing? A doctor explains the risks

Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly contagious bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs but can also spread to other parts of the body. It is well known that TB spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even speaks. 
However, one might wonder whether the disease can be transmitted through kissing or sexual contact. Since TB can also affect areas beyond the lungs, such as the lymph nodes, bones, and even the genital tract, concerns about non-respiratory transmission remain.
While medical guidelines emphasise airborne transmission, the possibility of TB spreading through close physical contact remains a topic of curiosity.
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So, can tuberculosis bacteria be transmitted through kissing?
Dr Vikas Mittal, pulmonolg and director, Wellness Home Clinic and Sleep Centre, Paschim Vihar and director, Department of Respiratory Medicine, C K Birla Hospital, Punjabi Bagh, says, “Tuberculosis is primarily a lung infection caused the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. It spreads through tiny droplets in the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. If someone has active TB in their throat or saliva, there is a possibility that the bacteria could be transmitted through kissing.”
However, he adds that this is not the most common way TB spreads. “The main mode of transmission remains airborne, where bacteria are inhaled into the lungs. Direct saliva exchange might pose a risk, as there are chances of inhaling infected droplets during close contact while kissing.”
The main mode of transmission remains airborne, where bacteria are inhaled into the lungs. (Source: Freepik)
Risk of tuberculosis spreading through sexual contact, especially in cases of genital TB
Dr Mittal says, “Genital TB is a form of extrapulmonary TB, meaning it affects areas outside the lungs, such as the reproductive organs. This type of TB is usually caused the spread of bacteria from another infected part of the body rather than direct transmission from one person to another.” 
He continues, “There is no strong evidence to suggest that genital TB spreads through sexual contact. However, TB bacteria can be present in bodily fluids, and in rare cases, there might be a risk of transmission if there are open sores or wounds. But overall, sexual transmission of TB is considered extremely rare.”Story continues below this ad
Can latent TB be transmitted through kissing or intimacy?
Latent TB means that a person has TB bacteria in their body, Dr Mittal notes, but the bacteria are inactive and do not cause symptoms. “People with latent TB do not spread the disease to others because the bacteria are inactive in their lungs or saliva. This means that close contact, including kissing or intimacy, does not pose any risk of transmission,” he elaborates. 
If latent TB becomes active in the future, Dr Mittal states that the person can then spread the bacteria, usually through coughing or sneezing. That’s why people with latent TB are often given treatment to prevent it from becoming active.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.