Tuberculosis (TB) has existed on our planet for thousands and perhaps millions of years. Throughout history, tuberculosis has been known by other names:
- Phthisis (Greece)
- Tabes (Rome)
- Schachepheth (Ancient Hebrew)
- White plague (due to paleness of the patients)
- Wasting disease
- Consumption (in the 1800s)
Dr. Robert Koch announced his discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in 1882.