Tuberculosis, also known as tuberculosis, is a chronic infection that can be fatal to the infected individual and can result in death. Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection of the lungs that can persist into other organs through the bloodstream. It is a leading cause of death from infection worldwide. The mortality rate is much higher in developing countries with a high incidence rate of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Tuberculosis is a very contagious disease because it is transmitted through the air. If left untreated, the disease can progress to other areas of the body. Areas such as the kidneys, spine and brain can become infected. With proper treatment, tuberculosis is curable. Tuberculosis is a disease of the lungs. This disease can spread to other areas of the body and cause harm or death to the infected individual. Tuberculosis causes a local infection in the lungs known as pneumonia and can spread to common areas such as the kidneys, spine and brain. If an individual is infected with the disease, this does not necessarily mean that the individual can still spread the disease. After being exposed to bacteria, TB has a latency period. The immune system works hard to stop the spread of the infection by forming scar tissue around the infection. This scar is known as fibrosis. This prevents tuberculosis from being active or spreading. Therefore it is in an inactive state, which means that the individual suffering from primary tuberculosis will not experience any symptoms and will not be able to spread tuberculosis. Those with a weakened immune system are at high risk of developing active or secondary tuberculosis. This is when individuals show signs and symptoms and are very capable of spreading the infection to others. The health consequences of tuberculosis consist of symptoms such as fatigue, fever accompanied... middle of paper ......active countries. According to the Merk Manual (2013), approximately one third of the world's population is infected with TB. In 2006, there were an estimated 9.2 million new cases worldwide. India and China were the countries reporting the highest number of new cases, while South Africa had the highest case rate, at 940 per 100,000. According to the World Health Organization, more than 95% of tuberculosis cases come from developing countries, while 95% of tuberculosis deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. Although all age groups are at risk of tuberculosis, there are other factors that contribute to infection. infection. Those at highest risk of tuberculosis are those who have contracted the HIV virus. The mortality rate is high for those who have both tuberculosis and HIV due to reduced immunity associated with HIV. Tobacco use and alcohol abuse also put people at great risk of developing tuberculosis.