What is another word for mycobacterium tuberculosis?
Pronunciation: [mˌa͡ɪkəbɐktˈi͡əɹɪəm tjˌuːbəkjʊlˈə͡ʊsɪs] (IPA) 
Mycobacterium tuberculosis, commonly referred to as tuberculosis or TB, is a highly infectious bacterial disease that primarily affects the lungs. It is caused by mycobacteria that attack the respiratory system resulting in severe coughing, fever, and night sweats. Some synonyms for this infectious disease include consumption, phthisis, and white plague. These names were given due to the physical effects TB has on the body. Other synonyms for Mycobacterium tuberculosis include Koch's disease, tubercle bacillus, and Granulomatous disease. These various names have been used throughout history to describe the same illness that has troubled humanity for centuries. Today, it continues to be a public health concern worldwide.
