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Tuberculosis And The World Health Organization

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Every 25 seconds a person dies from tuberculosis. This equates to approximately 1.3 million people every year (Global Alliance for TB Drug Development, 2014). Tuberculosis, or more commonly known as TB, is more prominent in developing countries with 80% of Asian and African countries testing positive for tuberculosis (Abbas AK, 2007). India currently has the most cases of TB in the world (World Health Organization, 2009). There are a few types of TB such as common, partial drug resistant and drug resistant. The disease that will be focused on today is common tuberculosis.
Tuberculosis is as old as mankind. It was first officially recognised by Hippocrates who described the symptoms of the disease as coughing up blood and weight loss that eventually led to death. In the 16th century a theory was proposed that the disease was transmitted via microorganisms. This was not proven until 1882. In the 1880’s, the chosen way of curing tuberculosis was for the patients to receive clear air, a balanced diet and plenty of rest. This was used not only to treat the patients but to also isolate them. During the 19th century, the spread of the disease slowed as living conditions and hygiene improved. In the 20th century a vaccination was developed as well as antibiotics. This resulted in the disease declining dramatically. It wasn’t until the 1980’s that the disease reappeared again due to the aids epidemic. Due to the aids sufferers having a weaker immune system, they were more

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