[Historical development of tuberculosis since Robert Koch's discovery of the tubercle bacillus in 1882]

Robert Koch's single-handed discovery of M. tuberculosis, one of the most gigantic scientific accomplishments of all times, provided the necessary foundation for subsequent investigative breakthroughs that have made it possible for experts to begin to contemplate the ultimate eradication of TB: the dreaded pestilence that for centuries was the greatest cause of death in the world. Further important milestones in the fight against TB were the discovery of X-rays, the development of BCG vaccination, the introduction of chemotherapy and chemoprophylaxis, and deciphering the genome of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. First of all, though, we must find a way to deal with the recent resurgence of the disease in the poor countries of sub-Saharan Africa, which is being fueled by another scourge, HIV/AIDS. And there is also the global problem of worsening anti-TB drug resistance. Eradication is conceivable and a worthy goal, but, I suspect, we will need to wait for another one or two additional "milestones" to help us along before the long-awaited nirvana can finally occur.