Mycobacterium Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is a dangerous disease that if not treated properly can become fatal. It is a second pandemic disease to HIV that causes about two million deaths a year. Tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Bacteria usually attack lungs; however, it can also spread to other parts of the body like kidneys, spine, and brain (CDC). Bacteria is spread through the air when infected person coughs or sneezes, much like flu virus. The inhaled bacteria may not become active right away, since immune system is able to fight bacteria to stop from multiplying. This stage of infection is called Latent Infection (CDC). However, if the bacteria becomes active in the body and starts to multiply, the immune system can do nothing to stop them from growing. In this stage person will start to feel sick and severe symptoms will appear. Early treatment is very important, otherwise disease might became fatal.

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=new-tactics-in-fight

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=new-tactics-in-fighthttp://www.cdc.gov/tb/topic/basics/default.htm