Tuberculosis

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D. [@chutkaMD] Guest: Zelalem Temesgen, M.D. It’s thought that a variant of tuberculosis originated in East Africa around 3 million years ago with the current strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis dating back at least 20,000 years. Although easily spread from one person to another, not everyone infected develops active disease. The management of tuberculosis varies, and although there is a vaccine, it’s not commonly used in the U.S.  Effective pharmacologic treatment is available, however drug-resistant strains have presented challenges in some cases. This podcast is in recognition of World Tuberculosis Day, March 24, the day that Dr. Robert Koch reported Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. We’ll discuss the disease, it’s diagnosis and management with infectious disease specialist and Professor of Medicine, Zelalem Temesgen, M.D., from the Mayo Clinic. Connect with the Mayo Clinic’s School of Continuous Professional Development online at https://ce.mayo.edu/ or on Twitter @MayoMedEd.