How did tuberculosis start?

Answer 1

Tuberculosis has been present in humans since antiquity. The earliest unambiguous detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosisis in the remains of bison dated 17,000 years before the present.[53] However, whether tuberculosis originated in cattle and then transferred to humans, or diverged from a common ancestor, is currently unclear.[54] Skeletal remains show prehistoric humans (4000 BC) had TB, and tubercular decay has been found in the spines of mummies from 3000-2400 BC.[55] Phthisis is a Greek term for tuberculosis; around 460 BC, Hippocrates identified phthisis as the most widespread disease of the times involving coughing up blood and fever, which was almost always fatal.[56] Genetic studies suggest that TB was present in South America for about 2,000 years.[57] In South America, the earliest evidence of tuberculosis is associated with the Paracas-Caverna culture.1

Answer 2

Tuberculosis continues to be one of the greatest threats and killers known to the human race. In the 1940's the drug INH-Isoniazid changed the face of TB across the globe. In the 1960's Rifampin became an even more powerful ally in TB control. These drugs remain the primary medications for TB treatment worldwide. Because of these two drugs, and very deliberate efforts, TB was largely controlled in the US but the increase in Global travel, Immigration, and the advent of the AIDS crisis has led to a resurgence - not only in the USA, but globally. It has become drug resistant and is now killing more people than ever.

Answer 3

Tuberculosis is a disease caused by an infection with the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

During the 19th century, up to 25 per cent of deaths in Europe were caused by this disease. The death toll began to fall as living standards improved at the start of the 20th century, and from the 1940s, effective medicines were developed.

However, there are now more people in the world with TB than there were in 1950, and 3 million individuals will die this year from this disease - mainly in less developed countries.

The disease is more common in areas of the world where poverty, malnutrition, poor general health and social disruption are present.

In the UK, too, the number of TB cases is again rising. Alcoholics, HIV-positive individuals, some recent immigrants and healthcare workers are at increased risk.

The disease is most commonly found in places such as hostels for the homeless, prisons, and centres for immigrants arriving from areas with high rates of HIV infection or inadequate health provision.

Answer 4

latin/greek