tuberculosis

noun1

1. •
   An infectious disease of humans and animals caused by a species of mycobacterium, usually Mycobacterium tuberculosis, mainly infecting the lungs where it causes tubercles characterized by the expectoration of mucus and sputum, fever, weight loss, and chest pain, and transmitted through inhalation or ingestion of bacteria.

   • With smallpox gone, tuberculosis is today the deadliest infectious disease on the planet. — 2019