Kansas City, Kansas, is currently battling an outbreak of tuberculosis that began in January 2024 and has since affected two nearby counties. The disease, often characterized by a persistent cough, has seen 147 confirmed cases in the region, with 67 individuals falling ill. The remaining 80 individuals have shown no symptoms, indicating a latent infection. This resurgence of TB is a cause for concern as it ranks as one of the leading causes of infectious disease-related deaths worldwide, second only to COVID-19 during the initial years of the pandemic.
Microbiologists Karen Dobos and Marcela Henao-Tamayo from Colorado State University shed light on the resurgence of TB, an ancient disease that dates back thousands of years. From its roots in the Eastern Mediterranean region 9,000 years ago to its formal recognition by the physician Hippocrates around 410-400 B.C.E., TB has been a persistent threat to human health. The nickname “the king’s evil” highlights the varied and often devastating effects of the disease, while its identification by Robert Koch in 1882 marked a significant milestone in medical history.
The transmission of TB occurs through small infectious droplets in the air, making it highly contagious. Although rare, there have been instances of TB spreading through unpasteurized dairy products and bone graphs. The origin of the TB outbreak in Kansas remains unknown, disproportionately affecting low-income communities and claiming two lives. The COVID-19 pandemic has played a role in the resurgence of TB, with nearly 700,000 excess deaths globally attributed to COVID-19-related disruptions in TB care.
In terms of treatment, multidrug therapy is currently the most effective way to combat TB. Prior to the development of antibiotics in the late 1930s, treatment methods included bloodletting and sanatorium stays in high-altitude regions. Streptomycin and isoniazid were the first antibiotics developed for TB, with multidrug-resistant strains posing new challenges. Education and awareness are crucial in combating TB, as latent infections can go undiagnosed for years, leading to further transmission of the disease.
As TB remains a persistent public health concern globally, efforts to educate the public on transmission, treatment, and prevention are essential. Early detection and treatment of TB cases are crucial in reducing the spread of the disease and minimizing the toxic effects of treatment. By raising awareness and implementing proactive measures, communities can work towards eradicating TB and improving overall public health.