A brief history of TB

Summary

Tuberculosis (TB), caused by the bacterium *Mycobacterium tuberculosis*, is one of the deadliest diseases, claiming over 1.5 million lives annually. Its history spans thousands of years, with early evidence found in ancient remains and documented references dating back 3,300 years in India. Throughout history, TB has been romanticized and misunderstood, linked to myths of vampires and royal cures. Scientific breakthroughs, particularly Robert Koch's discovery in 1882 and the BCG vaccine in 1921, have transformed our understanding and treatment of the disease. Despite advancements, the fight against TB continues, highlighting the need for ongoing research and innovation.

Takeaways

• 🦠 Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis and kills over 1.5 million people annually.
• 📜 The earliest physical evidence of TB dates back 9,000 years, found in remains in the ancient city of Atleetian.
• 🕰️ The first recorded mentions of TB appeared in India about 3,300 years ago, with various names used throughout history.
• 👑 In medieval Europe, TB was romantically viewed, with the royal touch believed to cure the disease.
• ⚰️ During the 1600s to 1800s, TB was responsible for about 25% of deaths in Europe and the U.S., with urban areas seeing rates near 1,000 deaths per 100,000 people.
• 🎨 The disease was often romanticized in art and poetry, with pale faces caused by TB seen as attractive.
• 🧛‍♂️ In early 19th-century New England, TB was thought to be caused by vampires, leading to exhuming and burning bodies to stop the 'vampire' from spreading the disease.
• 🔬 The cause of TB was debated until 1882, when Robert Koch confirmed it was a bacterial infection.
• 💉 The BCG vaccine was developed in 1921 and is still in use today as part of the fight against TB.
• 📈 Ongoing advancements in antibiotics, diagnosis, and vaccines are crucial in the continued battle against TB.

Q & A

What is tuberculosis and what causes it?

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

How many people die from TB each year?

TB is one of the deadliest diseases, killing over 1.5 million people annually.

What historical evidence do we have of TB in humans?

The earliest physical evidence of TB in humans can be traced back to 9,000 years ago, found in the remains of a mother and child in the ancient city of Atletian, now under the Mediterranean Sea.

When were the first written records of TB found?

The first recorded mentions of TB in writing were in India, approximately 3,300 years ago.

What were some historical beliefs about TB during the Middle Ages?

During Europe's Middle Ages, it was believed that the 'royal touch' from monarchs could cure TB, and thousands of people were touched by kings and queens over the centuries.

How did societal perceptions of TB change in the 19th century?

In the early 19th century, TB was romanticized by poets and artists, whereas in New England, it was thought to be caused by vampires, leading to bizarre practices like exhuming and burning bodies of deceased TB sufferers.

What significant scientific advancement was made regarding TB in 1882?

On March 24, 1882, German scientist Robert Koch demonstrated that TB was a bacterial infectious disease, changing the understanding of its transmission.

What is the BCG vaccine, and when was it developed?

The BCG vaccine, developed in 1921, is still used today to help prevent tuberculosis.

What progress has been made in the fight against TB?

Despite TB's long history, the fight against it continues, with hopes that advancements in antibiotics, diagnosis, and vaccines will eventually eradicate the disease.

How was TB perceived in art and culture during its prevalence?

TB was romanticized in art and literature, with the pale, pallid faces of those infected being seen as attractive, reflecting the complex societal views of the disease.