Historical Perspective

TB is an infectious disease occurring since ancient times. From the bony remnants of human bodies of the New Stone Age and the pathology of the bones and joints of mummies of the ancient times, there was evidence that TB had occurred in human beings in the pre-historical era.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, TB was prevalent in Europe. Many famous persons suffered from this disease. However, the cause was unknown at that time. The method of treatment, in those days, was by means of 'King's touch' and the issue of gold coins to the patient. Many people died from this disease.

In the ancient Chinese medical literature, TB was recorded and described as a 'consumptive' illness. It was also mentioned that TB was caused by a 'parasite' in the lung. The causative agent of tuberculosis, however, was not known until 24 March 1882 when Dr Robert Koch, a German, discovered the TB germ.