Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Tuberculosis Tu*ber`cu*lo"sis, n. [NL. See {Tubercle}.] (Med.) A constitutional disease caused by infection with {Mycobacterium tuberculosis} (also called the {Tubercle bacillus}), characterized by the production of tubercles in the internal organs, and especially in the lungs, where it constitutes the most common variety of pulmonary phthisis (consumption). The Mycobacteria are slow-growing and without cell walls, and are thus not affected by the beta-lactam antibiotics; treatment is difficult, usually requiring simultaneous administration of multiple antibiotics to effect a cure. Prior to availability of antibiotic treatment, the cure required extensive rest, for which special sanatoriums were constructed. [1913 Webster +PJC]