91download.com supports a wide range of platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, Dailymotion, Reddit, Bilibili, Douyin, Xiaohongshu and Zhihu, etc. Click the download button below to parse and download the current video
Have you ever wondered what remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases, despite being curable? Let's delve into a narrative that has spanned millions of years, a tale of an invisible adversary that has silently stalked humanity—tuberculosis (TB).
Imagine a predator so cunning that it has walked among us for an eternity, evading detection and thriving on our very immune defenses. This is the story of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, an ancient nemesis that continues to claim lives in the shadows.
But how does it manage to stay hidden? Unlike other pathogens that ravage their hosts, TB is a stealthy operator, often lying dormant within its human prey. Right now, one in four humans may carry this bacterium without even knowing it. So, why don't we hear more about TB? The answer lies in its nature as the perfect predator—silent and patient.
The journey of TB begins when it infiltrates the body through the airways and establishes itself within the lungs. Here, it faces the mighty macrophages, our immune system's sentinels. But TB has evolved a shielding coat, impervious to the acidic arsenal of these guardians. It not only dodges death but turns the tables, transforming these sentinels into unwitting hosts.
As the bacterium thrives, it replicates at a snail's pace, ensuring its longevity. When it finally consumes its host cell, it moves on to infect new macrophages, all while evading the immune system's desperate attempts to eradicate it. A stalemate is reached; the infection lies dormant, a ticking time bomb within the body.
For most, the infection remains latent. But for one in ten, the bomb explodes. The immune system can no longer contain the infection, and the bacteria爆发, flooding the lungs with macrophage corpses and new bacteria. The body's response is catastrophic, leading to severe inflammation, tissue damage, and the infamous symptom of coughing up blood.
And so, the bacteria spread, hitching a ride on the tiny droplets expelled with each cough. The host becomes a ghost of their former self, as the body battles this relentless invader. If untreated, the disease slowly consumes the body, claiming victory in a war that spans years or even decades.
TB is a slow burner, a problem that simmers under the radar. Its symptoms are often mild, lulling us into a false sense of security. Unlike diseases that strike swiftly, TB's slow pace allows it to stealthily spread through human contact, preying on those closest to us.
During the Industrial Revolution, crowded, poorly ventilated spaces became breeding grounds for TB. And today, in areas of unplanned urbanization, the disease continues to thrive. Despite being curable with a four-month regimen of antibiotics, TB remains the deadliest infectious disease on earth due to neglect and inadequate distribution of these life-saving drugs.
The fight against TB has seen victories and setbacks. After a golden era of antibiotic development, progress stagnated. But in recent years, new drug classes and improved vaccines have brought fresh hope. We stand on the precipice of a new era, where TB could finally be eradicated.
To achieve this, awareness is crucial. We must care enough to act, to ensure that the knowledge we possess is translated into action. A century ago, TB was a leading cause of death in the United States. Today, we have the power to consign it to history.
The White Death has been our companion for too long. It is time to sever this bond and forge a future where this ancient enemy no longer casts its shadow over humanity. Will you join the fight to silence the White Death forever?
For more information on tuberculosis and how you can contribute to the fight against it, visit Partners in Health. And for those who wish to delve deeper into the history and current state of TB, check out the Crash Course Lecture.
Share on Twitter Share on Facebook