Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis dates back to 4000 BC and is believed to have killed more people in the history of humankind than any other disease. Formerly called consumption, Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by strains of mycobacterium. It mainly affects the lungs and it is spread when people with an active infection cough or sneeze, transmitting saliva through the air. Coughing up blood, fever, night sweats and weight loss are the symptoms. There is about 1 new infected person every second but only 1 in 10 latent infections progress to active disease. About 80% of the populations of several Asian and African countries have the tuberculosis bacteria. Vaccines to prevent tuberculosis and anti-bacterial drugs for treatment are often unavailable to impoverished regions due to the inadequate or complete lack of healthcare.