The main infection site is the lung, but any organ can become infected if the bacteria spread. They can enter the bloodstream and lymphatic system and travel to other parts of the body.

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The majority of TB cases are pulmonary. However, TB can also break down bones and vertebrae, causing sufferers to become hump-backed. A rare form called 'lupus vulgaris' attacks and disfigures the soft tissue of the face.

TB can also attack the brain as a deadly form of meningitis. Incidence of TB in parts of the body other than the lungs is higher among people infected with HIV.

Once you are infected by the TB bacteria, there are essentially two things that can happen: you may develop active disease; or your body may control the bacteria - you will be infected, but will not have active TB.

The immune system controls the infection by forming walls around the bacteria. This inactivates the bacteria, but does not kill them. They can lie dormant inside these walls for years. In many people, TB bacteria remain inactive for a lifetime, but in others, especially those with weak immune systems, the bacteria may become active and cause active TB disease.

People with latent TB infection:

• Have no symptoms
• Do not feel sick
• Cannot spread TB to others
• Usually have a positive skin test reaction
• Can develop TB disease later if they receive no preventive therapy

Some people develop TB disease within weeks of becoming infected: their immune systems are too weak to stop bacterial growth. Other people may get sick later, when their immune systems become weak for some reason such as drug abuse, poor nutrition, immune suppression, old age or ill health. Babies and children often have weak immune systems. TB bacteria become active if the immune system can't stop their growth; they multiply and cause disease.

People with TB disease can be cured if they have proper medical treatment. Without the correct treatment, however, they may become seriously ill and even die.

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