What disease of the human body is often called the white death?

Tuberculosis is a disease caused by an infection with the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. During the 19th century, up to 25% of deaths in Europe were caused by this disease. It used to be called the 'white death' as opposed to the Black Death caused by the plague.

Tuberculosis is spread through the air when people who have active tuberculosis in their lungs cough, spit, speak, or sneeze. People with latent tuberculosis do not spread the disease. Active infection occurs more often in people with HIV/AIDS and in those who smoke.

Diagnosis of active tuberculosis is based on chest X-rays, as well as microscopic examination and culture of body fluids. Diagnosis of latent tuberculosis relies on the tuberculin skin test (TST) or blood tests.