Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attack the lungs. But, TB bacteria can attack any part of the body such as the kidney, spine, and brain. If not treated properly, TB disease can be fatal. TB disease was once the leading cause of death in the United States. The latest national data show that TB rates reached an all-time low in the U.S. in 2005, but progress to eliminate TB is slowing. Furthermore, the increasing occurrence of drug-resistant TB presents significant challenges to treatment and control of the disease both in the U.S. and abroad. TB is spread through the air from one person to another. The bacteria are put into the air when a person with active TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs or sneezes. People nearby may breathe in these bacteria and become infected. <<<< Click on the subjests at left for more facts about the disease, its symptoms and treatment. Credits:  Centers For Disease Control/AP/CBS