Koch's bacillus

Koch's bacillus, also known as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is the bacteria responsible for tuberculosis (TB), a serious infectious disease primarily affecting the lungs. It is a slow-growing, rod-shaped microorganism that spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Once inhaled, the bacteria can settle in the lungs and cause infection, leading to symptoms such as persistent cough, weight loss, and fever. Despite its resilience, TB can be treated effectively with a specific course of antibiotics. Koch's discovery of this bacterium in 1882 was a crucial milestone in understanding and diagnosing TB.