Disease/condition and its effects on the body systemTuberculosis is a disease caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria primarily attacks the lungs, but the infection can spread to other parts of the body such as the kidneys, spine and brain. Symptoms of TB include cough (possibly accompanied by blood and mucus), fatigue, shortness of breath, fever and chest pain. If the infection is left untreated, the bacteria can destroy tissue in the infected organ and leave permanent, disabling scar tissue. Tuberculosis bacteria are carried in the air, enter the body through the respiratory tract, and are spread through coughing. Although the bacteria can spread easily, it is quite difficult to catch the disease; To become infected, one must remain in close proximity to the infected person for a long time. It is more likely to be infected by family members or close friends rather than a stranger, unless a person's immune system is weakened.StatisticsOne third of the world's population is infected with tuberculosis. In 2012, an estimated 9 million people fell ill worldwide, and there were 1.3 million TB-related deaths worldwide. Statistically, countries with weak economic backgrounds have a higher infection rate, such as India and other East Asian countries. People who emigrated from these countries to the United States develop the disease within 2 to 3 years after immigration. In 2012, 9,945 cases were reported in the United States (3.2 per 100,000 people). More men aged 22 to 44 develop the disease than women. Extrapulmonary tuberculosis is 10 to 30% more common in women and children. Tuberculosis is the leading cause of death among HIV-positive people, it is estimated that one in 10 people will be infected...... middle of paper ...... millions of people suffer, it is good to know that There are many organizations that help raise awareness and provide care to those affected. I learned that the medicine will only help the patient if they want to help themselves and that for those who seek help but do not follow the regimen, it will only make the bacteria worse and could possibly spreading the bacteria immune to the drugs. Resources for help and support for TB are easy to find, if the patient is unsure where to start they can ask their doctor for information. Works Cited CDC. (nd). Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/tb/topic/basics/default.htmNew Jersey School of Medicine. (nd). History of tuberculosis. Retrieved from http://globaltb.njms.rutgers.edu/tbhistory.htmWorld Health Organization. (nd). Retrieved from http://www.who.int/tb/challenges/gender/en/