Who Discovered Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis, also called consumption, ravaged the human population for thousands of years. Spread by inhalation or ingestion of tubercle bacilli, the disease was transmitted easily and in great numbers. Conjectures and guesses were made as to what caused the disease or how it formed, but until the bacterium was discovered and made visible, real study of the disease could not begin.

History

• Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes tuberculosis, has been with humans for thousands of years. Tuberculosis was one of the most widespread diseases among humans and was almost always fatal.

Discovery

• In 1882, German physician Robert Koch developed a staining method that allowed him to actually see Mycobacterium tuberculosis. He presented his methods in a lecture to his peers on March 24, 1982.

Significance

• Because of the ability to see and study the bacteria causing tuberculosis, researchers were better able to work on finding treatments for the fatal disease.

Failed Attempts

• Despite discovering the bacterium that causes tuberculosis, Robert Koch was unable to find a way to cure it. He made two failed attempts at preparations to treat the disease, and their healing powers were greatly exaggerated.

Fun Fact

• Although he was unable to find a cure for the disease, Robert Koch became known as the "Father of Bacteriology" and received the Nobel Prize in 1905 for his discoveries relating to tuberculosis.