Originally published Sunday, March 23, 2008 at 12:00 AM
Editorial
The beachheads of TB
Tuberculosis is something you want to avoid, everyone knows that. But it is what people don't know about the disease that makes it a continuing...
Stopping TB
HEALTH EXPERTS will discuss the tuberculosis threat and how individuals can make a difference at a free Town Hall event Monday, Eighth and Seneca in Seattle. Moderated by Times science reporter Sandi Doughton, the panel will discuss the challenges posed by tuberculosis and how individuals can make a difference. A reception begins at 7 p.m. with the discussion following at 7:30. For more information, go to http://townhallseattle.org/ or www.stoptb.orgTuberculosis is something you want to avoid, everyone knows that. But it is what people don't know about the disease that makes it a continuing serious threat around the world and around Puget Sound.
People will remember the case of the runaway groom, the Atlanta man with drug-resistant tuberculosis who traveled around Europe on his honeymoon while health-care officials tried to track him down. And there was the recent case of a sales clerk at Alderwood Mall.
But tuberculosis is more common than these occasional news bulletins might suggest. In King County last year, 161 people became ill with tuberculosis. About 2 billion people — one-third of the world's population — are infected. About 9 million will become ill and 2 million will die.
Caused by an intractable bacterium, the disease is treatable, but the drug regimen is both exhaustive and exhausting for the patient. Often the treatment — which can last up to nine months — and the strong drugs keep patients ill. But if the regimen is not followed meticulously, the disease could mutate into a form resistant to the drugs, creating a greater challenge to the patient and others exposed.
The Seattle Biomedical Research Institute is trying to come up with drugs that will shorten the regimen and that are easier on patients. Last week, Paul Allen announced his foundation was giving $5 million to the institute. This is his first grant for tuberculosis research and he joins his Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, whose foundation has given $750 million.
Better drugs are at least 10 years off, said David Sherman, director of the Seattle Biomedical Research Institute's tuberculosis-research program. But awareness about TB's unique challenges can do much to stop the spread.
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
Leonard Pitts Jr. / Syndicated columnist: New York terror trials will restore faith in rule of law
Charles Krauthammer / Syndicated columnist: New York trial a propaganda coup for terrrorists

LA Galaxy's David Beckham
Los Angeles Galaxy's David Beckham talks about the upcoming MLS Cup final during after a team practice.
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
How to tell your office you're gravely ill
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
- Craigslist adoption ad: A plea by young mother-to-be? A scam?
- 'The Road' takes Viggo Mortensen to Mount St. Helen's and Astoria, Ore.
- Italian lead prosecutor argues Knox motive was hatred
- Italian prosecutors request life sentence for UW student
- Man shot in chest on E. Union Street in Capitol Hill
- Washington state wines make annual best-of list
- Child-support error costs nearly $21,000
- Mariners Blog | A Mariners-Tigers swap makes a whole lot of sense for both teams
- Lynnwood is reinventing itself — again
- Chase shrugs off loss of CD investors
- Senate vote clears hurdle
232 - Mariners add six to 40-man roster
149 - Tight Senate vote launches health care over hurdle
118 - Child-support error costs nearly $21,000
105 - Palin excitement builds in Tri-Cities
96 - Vikings easily beat the Seahawks
92 - Prosecutor requests life in prison for Amanda Knox
86 - Cutting through breast-cancer confusion
80 - Game thread
68 - New York terror trials will restore faith in rule of law
46
- Washington state wines make annual best-of list
- Nonprofits get creative using Twitter and Facebook to make donation easier
- It's possible to recover a life lost to hoarding
- Lynnwood is reinventing itself — again
- Great places to cross-country ski for free (or almost) in the Methow
- Child-support error costs nearly $21,000
- 'The Road' takes Viggo Mortensen to Mount St. Helen's and Astoria, Ore.
- Recipes: Sesame Pork Roast, Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes, Gingerbread with Lemon Sauce and more
- Banff: powder, peaks & purity
- 175 foster kids in Washington get 'forever families'





