The regrowth of tuberculosis in the 21st century

The regrowth of tuberculosis in the 21st century
1929. Ironing workshop (Madrid) © Museum of History of Madrid

The regrowth of tuberculosis in the 21st century

One of the most serious consequences of rural migration to European cities, linked to the processes of industrialization, was the expansion of tuberculosis, which becomes a social disease.  The improvement of social and nutritional conditions, the ventilation of workplaces where numerous workers were concentrated and the discovery and commercialization of antibiotics, extraordinarily contracted mortality from tuberculosis and other bacterial diseases.

Antibiotics are indicated to fight bacterial diseases, but in many populations they have been used for viral diseases in humans,  and also to enhance the growth and prevent diseases in domestic animals that are part of our diet. Resistance to antibiotics has become one of the greatest threats to global health, food security and sustainable development.  This situation prolongs hospital stays, increases medical costs and also increases mortality.

It is urgent to develop national action plans to address resistance to tuberculosis, including educational programs for citizens of all ages, to avoid the post-antibiotic stage, in which many common infections and minor injuries would be potentially deadly, (besides tuberculosis, pneumonia, gonorrhea and salmonellosis).