Today, the world marks World Tuberculosis Day. This date traces back to March 24, 1882, when the German physician Robert Koch announced to the public his discovery of the bacterium that causes tuberculosis.
In the 19th century, tuberculosis was a true epidemic in Europe. It is estimated that during that period, the disease was responsible for one out of every four deaths. Koch’s identification of the bacterium laid the foundation for diagnosing the disease and seeking methods of treatment.
Robert Koch’s discovery radically changed the history of medicine, as his work paved the way for the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis. In the 20th century, mortality rates dropped sharply as a result of scientific research and the emergence of antibiotics, which saved thousands of lives.
As for Koch, who is rightfully considered one of the founders of bacteriology, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1905 for this epochal discovery. Despite such great progress, World TB Day reminds us that the fight against this disease and raising public awareness remains a global priority.
