The Cause of Tuberculosis

¹ Wheatridge, Colorado

1. Tuberculosis is caused by tubercle bacilli (germs) which are transferred from a consumptive to a well person, usually in sputum.

2. Tuberculosis is not hereditary; i. e., a person is not born with the disease.

3. Tuberculosis runs in families merely because the chances of acquiring the germs are so much greater under such intimate relationships.

4. Tuberculosis is not acquired solely in childhood; no age is exempt.

5. A child or an adult usually overcomes the first infection with the production of a partial immunity to subsequent infections.

6. The immunity developed by a first infection may be broken down by massive doses of tubercle bacilli or by adverse living conditions.

7. It is the reinfection which takes place after the immunity of a first infection is broken down that produces active tuberculosis.

8. Environment is the most important force in promoting infection and in shaping the course of an infection with tubercle bacilli.