Tuberculosis is considered one of the deadliest infectious diseases in human history. Spread easily through contact with infected or infected articles of clothing and objects, Tuberculosis usually affects the victim’s lungs causing a bad cough, pain in the chest and coughing up blood. Tuberculosis can be fatal. Despite being extremely infectious and spread easily on its own, there are/were several factors that led to an increase in susceptibility to tuberculosis.
The tuberculosis epidemic in Europe started in the 17th century and reached epidemic proportions during the 18th and 19th centuries. High population density and poor sanitary conditions created a perfect environment for its propagation. Because of the epidemic, this led to a lot of emmigration to the U.S. by Europeans. Immigrants took up residence in crowded tenements in Philadeplhia, Boston, and NYC around 1850. These tenements were dark, constructed poorly, badly ventilated, and filthy. This allowed for the bacteria to spread quickly and efficiently. Physicians attributed 8,000 to 9,000 deaths a year to tuberculosis in these types of tenements. These tenements are a testament to how important a healthy lifestyle and a healthy immue system are in preventing the spread of tuberculosis.
Malnutrition played a big role in the spread of TB. Malnutrition makes people more likely to activate or switch from latent to active contagious infections. Malnutrition, sickness and other diseases led to an easy conquest for TB. Those with HIV are extremely vulnerable and susceptible to not only other diseases but also especially TB. This is because they have a weakened immune system. Also, the problem of antibiotic resistance occurs when multiple drug therapy is not adhered to. This has led to extremely resistant TB that is very difficult to treat and can be transmitted to others.
HR: Modules on canvas, articles provided on canvas, cdc.gov