舊稱consumption
一些分歧桿菌（結核桿菌）造成的細菌病。古埃及的記錄以及希波克拉底都提及結核病，從古至今全世界都不斷出現。在18至19世紀快速工業化與城市化的西方世界，到達接近傳染病的比例，直到20世紀早期在這些地區都還是主要的死亡原因。1980年代結核病捲土重來，由愛滋病患傳播給他人，特別是在監獄、遊民收容所與醫院等地因密閉的設計助長傳播。結核病遍佈全球各地，仍是許多國家的主要死因。身體會在結核桿菌的周圍形成小型結核來隔離結核桿菌，通常這樣可以阻止結核病的病情發展，但要是沒有經過治療，可能不久之後會復發且帶傳染性。主要類型（大多數是孩童）通常不嚴重，但是可能在身體各處傳播，在許多器官產生結核，這樣就有可能致命。次要類型（主要是青年）開始時會喪失活力、體重下降、咳嗽不斷。隨着咳嗽增加、嚴重出汗，可能還有肋膜炎（參閲thoracic cavity）和吐血，健康情況惡化。增大的結核塊會殺死肺臟組織，使得呼吸作用無法供給身體足夠的氧氣。其他器官也會受害，如併發腦膜炎。弱化細菌疫苗有助於防治感染，但是及早發現治療結核病，防止暴露於細菌威脅則更為有效。由於許多種細菌對藥物有抗藥性，治療至少需要對病人細菌有效的兩種藥物，持續至少半年，不當的治療會讓具有抗藥性的結核桿菌繁殖。多重抗藥性細菌品種造成的急性病非常難治癒，通常會致命。
tuberculosis (TB)
Bacterial disease caused by some species of mycobacterium (tubercle bacillus). Mentioned in ancient Egyptian records and by Hippocrates, it has occurred throughout history worldwide. In the 18th-19th century it reached near-epidemic proportions in the rapidly industrializing and urbanizing West, where it was the leading cause of death until the early 20th century. TB resurged in the 1980s, spreading from AIDS patients to others, especially in prisons, homeless shelters, and hospitals, since enclosed settings promote spread. It occurs worldwide and is still a major cause of death in many countries. The body isolates the bacilli by forming tiny tubercles (nodules) around them. This often arrests TB's progress, but if not treated, it may become active—and contagious—later. The primary form (mostly in children) is often mild but may spread through the body, producing tubercles in many organs; it can be fatal. The secondary form (mainly in young adults) starts with loss of energy and weight and persistent cough. Health deteriorates, with increasing cough, heavy sweating, and possibly pleurisy (see thoracic cavity) and spitting up blood. Growing tubercle masses may destroy so much lung tissue that respiration cannot supply the body with enough oxygen. Other organs can be affected, with complications including meningitis. A vaccine with weakened bacteria has helped control infection, but preventing exposure by recognizing and treating active TB early is more effective. Because many strains are resistant to drugs, treatment requires at least two drugs to which the patient's strain is sensitive for at least six months; inadequate treatment lets resistant bacilli multiply. The acute disease caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains is very hard to cure and usually fatal.
