TB, or TUBERCULOSIS, is a disease caused by infection by a germ known as the “tubercle bacillus.” It is, unfortunately, a common infection in all parts of the world, and is most common where people live in crowded, unsanitary conditions and have poor nutrition.

Luckily, man has strong resistance to the infection. About 90 per cent of the people who live in cities develop at least a small spot of infection at some time or other, but most do not even know they have it. Less than 10 per cent of people infected with TB die of it.

There are three types of tubercle bacillus —human, bovine (cow), and avian (bird). Man can be infected by both the human and bovine types. The germs most often enter the body by being breathed into the lungs. The infection they cause first is called the “primary lesion.” This is an inflammation and breakdown of the tissues.

After the primary lesion, the germs are usually carried to the region of the chest. Here they set up an even greater inflammation. By this time the body has had time to develop some resistance or immunity to the infection. In most cases the lesions heal with thick scar tissue. However, some germs may remain without causing further trouble.

Sometimes a tuberculosis infection appears again in the body when a person reaches his later years. It may be a new infection or the old one becoming active. The germs may spread through the lungs.

Tuberculosis germs may also enter the blood stream and be carried to other organs and thus infect the kidneys or joints. When tuberculosis spreads through the body it is a wasting disease, which means it uses up the body. In fact, it used to be called “consumption,” because it “consumed,” or ate up, the body. The patient has fever, perspires heavily, loses his appetite, and becomes thin and weak.

Since a person may have a small spot of infection without knowing it, it is a good idea to have regular physical check-ups by a doctor.