HealthJuly 8, 2026

tuberculosis

/tjuːˌbɜːrkjəˈloʊsɪs/

Definition

A serious, contagious infectious disease, typically caused by bacteria, that primarily affects the lungs but can impact other parts of the body.

Etymology

The word is derived from the Latin 'tuberculum', meaning 'small swelling' or 'bump', combined with the suffix '-osis' to denote a disease state. It was coined in the 19th century to describe the characteristic nodules or bumps formed in the tissues of infected individuals.

In the news

In the article, the term is used to highlight how the Botswana-UPenn Partnership expanded its medical focus beyond the AIDS/HIV crisis to treat other prevalent infectious diseases. It serves as an example of the program's growing clinical scope in supporting local health infrastructure.

A model global health academic partnership flourishes in Botswana

Read the full article ↗

Penn Medicine

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