Tuberculosis (TB)

Tuberculosis, also known as TB, is an infectious disease that affects the lungs and is spread airborne droples (i.e. coughs and sneezes). Although once rare in developing countries, the rise in people suffering from AIDS (auto immune deficiency syndrome) has in turn led to a rise in people infected with TB. 

Those infected will usually show no symptoms, but when the immune system is compromised (as in the case of those infected with HIV), the TB bacteria will become active. The bacteria will eventually infect any organ of the body (mainly the lungs) and kill tissue. Symptoms of TB include severe and long periods of coughing, chest pain, fatigue, fever, loss of appetite and weight, and night sweats.

Tuberculosis, although once virtually eradicated, has come back as a stronger and more drug-resistant disease. Current treatment involves many months of taking antibiotics, along with medication that keeps the bacteria dormant.