Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious, infectious disease, due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MT) that has always been a permanent challenge over the course of human history, because of its severe social implications. 

TB in humans can be traced back to 9,000 years ago in Atlit Yam, a city now under the Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of Israel.

Archeologists found TB in the remains of a mother and child buried together. The earliest written mentions of TB were in India (3,300 years ago) and China (2,300 years ago).

New research indicates that tuberculosis bacteria originated with early humans some 70,000 years ago, before they migrated from their African homeland. New research indicates that tuberculosis bacteria originated with early humans some 70,000 years ago, before they migrated from their African homeland.

Cows and many other animals can harbor bovine tuberculosis (TB), a disease caused by infection with Mycobacterium bovis – a close relative of the bacteria that cause human tuberculosis. Risk of human disease rises when animal infections aren't controlled.

By the dawn of the 19th century, tuberculosis—or consumption—had killed one in seven of all people that had ever lived. Throughout much of the 1800s, consumptive patients sought "the cure" in sanatoriums, where it was believed that rest and a healthful climate could change the course of the disease.

Content created and supplied by: Wisdomnews (via Opera News )