Tuberculosis generally called as ‘TB’ is a communicable disease. It is an infectious disease. The main medium through which it is spread is air and through the phlegm or sputum of a patient affected by TB. The bacteria responsible for TB is Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The general symptoms of TB are loss of appetite and weight and persistent cough. In advanced TB patients there can be blood in the sputum, pain in the chest and out of breathing during exertion.

The main diagnosis of TB are positive sputum test, chest X-rays, and tuberculin test. This is because the favorite site of the TB is lungs. In some special cases the alimentary canal and bones also get affected. In India TB is a major health issue. Every one in 100 persons suffer from tuberculosis. About 5% of the people suffering from TB die every year.

The present day treatment of tuberculosis is based on drugs(chemotherapy), diet, rest, surgery, rehabilitation and health education. The vaccine which is used to provide some immunization against this disease is BCG(Bacillus Chalmette Guerin). The eradication of TB through awareness is emphasized every year on 24th march which is world TB day.