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