Which statement best reflects the historical and current status of tuberculosis in the United States?

• A. TB was a leading cause of death in the 20th century and most cases are cured today with antibiotics.
• B. TB continues to be the leading cause of death in the United States today.
• C. TB cannot be cured with antibiotics.
• D. TB never affects organs other than the lungs.

Answer: (A)

TB has a long history in the U.S. as a major cause of death, especially in the early 20th century. The turning point came with the advent of antibiotics in the mid-20th century, along with public health advances, which led to sharp declines in both incidence and mortality. In the present day, TB still occurs but is not among the leading causes of death, and most cases can be cured with a course of antibiotics—though drug-resistant strains can complicate treatment. It’s also important to remember that TB isn’t limited to the lungs; it can affect other parts of the body, such as the spine, meninges, or lymph nodes. That combination of historical high mortality and current high cure rates with antibiotics is what makes the statement the best fit.