Tuberculosis, commonly known as TB, is a bacterial infection that usually affects the lungs, but sometimes can spread and affect other parts of the body. It is caused by four types of Mycobacterium bacteria: Mycobacterium bovis, Mycobacterium africanum, Mycobacterium microti, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is the most frequent cause. When TB affects the lungs, it’s known as pulmonary TB, which is most common. If TB affects another area besides the lungs, it is known as extrapulmonary TB.

     When someone has TB that does not spread to infect others, it is known as latent TB; but a person can become at risk for developing active TB, which can spread to others. Active TB happens when the immune system cannot prevent the bacteria from growing. TB is spread through the air when a contagious person coughs or sneezes.

• Coughing up thick mucus, sometimes bloody, for more than 2 weeks
• Rapid heartbeat
• Neck swelling due to infected lymph nodes
• Appetite loss
• Weight loss
• Weakness
• Chills
• Night sweats
• Fatigue

1. South-East Asia - 2,890,000
2. Western Pacific - 2,090,000
3. Africa - 2,354,000
4. Eastern Mediterranean - 622,000
5. Europe - 472,000

     TB is treated with multiple medications because there are multiple bacteria that need to be killed. The most common medications are isoniazid (INH), rifampin, pyrazinamid, ethambutol, and streptomycin. Although one may feel well after only a few weeks of taking the medication the TB bacteria aren’t completely killed until about 6 months after starting to take the medication.

     The vaccine used for TB is the BCG (Bacille Calmette-Guerin) vaccine. This vaccine is given to infants and protects against childhood TB, but it may or may not protect against adult forms of TB. The BCG vaccine was developed in the early 1900s by Albert Calmette and Camille Guerin, two scientists working at the Pasteur Institute who researched the vaccine on guinea pigs.

     Currently, the WHO controls production and distribution of the vaccine, which costs about $2.45 per dose. There are a few side effects from the vaccine such as scarring, induration (hardening of the skin), and ulceration (open sores). Deadly complications are extremely rare. Because the effectiveness of the vaccine isn’t always high, research is being done to develop a more successful vaccine to prevent TB.

     BCG is not given in the US. It can be dangerous because if it is given it can cause a negative response on a Mantoux test, which tests to see if someone has been exposed to TB.

     When someone is infected with HIV, their immune system is very weak, and they tend to be very susceptible to TB. When the TB bacterium is inside the body, the HIV infection promotes the developing of TB. TB is the leading cause of death to someone with HIV/AIDS.

     Dr. Robert Goddard was born on October 5, 1882. As a teenager he was often too sick with bronchitis and colds to attend school every day. Therefore, he taught himself physics, chemistry, and electricity. He always wanted to know how things worked.

     As he got older he graduated from high school, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and Clark University. Goddard had always wondered whether a rocket could actually go into space. After many years of secrecy and extensive research, Goddard developed a rocket and flew it for the first. It didn’t travel very far, so he continued his research and attempted to fly more rockets into space Although none of Goddard’s rockets made it to space, he was very influential in space travel. Goddard died from cancer of the throat on August 10, 1945.

     In early 1913 Goddard developed a severe case of tuberculosis, and was told he only had two weeks to live. Doctors suggested that Goddard avoid exercise and stressful work, sleep in cold air, and move to a dry, sunny climate. Goddard decided to disregard the doctor’s suggestions. Instead, he slept in a warm area and walked outside. He kept his strength up through walking and was alive after two weeks, even though his overall recovery took over a year.

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