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Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by a special type of
bacteria, called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacilli or TB germs
causing tuberculosis are also called 'tubercle' bacilli or 'acid
fast bacilli' (AFB) for they retain dye to appear as red rods
(microscopically) after decolourization with acid and alcohol.
If the spread of
the disease is not checked, it can seriously affect the working of that
particular organ, ultimately leading to total disruption of its functions,
which may finally result in the death of the patient.
The organs which
can get affected include lungs, lymph nodes, meninges, intestines,
bones and joints.
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