[Tuberculosis: quo vadis? Spotlight on history and current aspects]

In short review some milestones of the history of tuberculosis research are outlined. Perspectives on the past, present and the future of tuberculosis research are linked to these historical facts. Within this context the contribution of members of the Medical Faculty at the University of Berne such as L. Lichtheim, Th. Langhans and E. A. E. Klebs receive particular consideration in connection with the 125th anniversary issue of the "Schweizerische Medizinische Wochenschrift" which was founded in 1871 by Klebs.