Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is also known as TB. It is an infection of the lungs but can affect almost any part of the body.  Tuberculosis is a contagious disease because the bacteria are transmitted through the air. It can be potentially fatal if left untreated. It is caused by a bacterial microorganism, the tubercle bacillus or Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB can be treated and prevented by taking certain drugs.  Scientists have never come close to wiping it out. For centuries tuberculosis have caused many distressing illness and claimed many lives.