Treatment for the ancient disease, tuberculosis

In 1921 A vaccine for Tuberculosis was developed and given in some countries.  It’s not used in the US because according to the CDC, “it does not completely prevent people from getting TB”.  Antibiotics have been American treatment for TB since 1946 when streptomycin was developed.  Over the years, the Mycobacterium has evolved and become resistant to antibiotics used in the past.  Currently treatment involves 6-12 month-long treatment with multiple antibiotics but promising research may change that.  In March 2012 a new two-drug combo treatment was reported at the American Chemical Society meeting.  This drug combo involves the antibiotic meropenem plus clavulanate (a Beta-lactam inhibitor drug which is a component of the antibiotic combo-drug Augmentin).  This information can be found at http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120326160528.htm A second announcement involves a three-in-one combo drug called PaMZ which shows promise for treating TB.  This drug combo is a combination of the TB drug pyrazinamide, the antibiotic moxifloxacin and PA-824. 

Both of these drug combos are currently in scientific trials and show promise for future treatments.  This information can be found at http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn22095-threeinone-drug-wipes-the-floor-with-tb.html?full=true&print=true

Tuberculosis poses a serious threat to people whose immune systems are weakened (those taking immunosuppressant drugs, and those suffering with HIV/AIDS.) TB thrives in poor living conditions where people lack good nutrition, and live in crowded areas.  More information about tuberculosis can be found at CDC, Tuberculosis, http://www.cdc.gov/tb/publications/factsheets/general/tb.htm

Moore, Peter, The Little Book of Pandemics, (New York City:  Fall River Press, 2009), 57-59.