Concern over the danger of multiple-drug resistant strains of tuberculosis has grown recently. The emergence of penicillin in the 1940s led to the extensive use of antibiotics. Now, limited effectiveness of antibiotics has brought a shift towards immune therapy, which involves immunization against diseases. Immune therapy has long been considered an efficient means of preventing the spread of diseases. For example, appropriate use of immunization has reduced the threat of hepatitis B infection from occupational exposures for health care workers.
Tuberculosis presents a unique problem in that it can be contracted via respiratory transmission.
The organism can become aerosolized and remain in the air for a long time. Physicians and nurses must be careful to wear masks when treating people who have tuberculosis. Masks such as those worn in surgery can help in filtering out bacteria, but they are not perfect. The Occupational Safety Health Administration has pushed for personal respirators in a health care setting. Although these respirators are uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time, they are of considerable benefit to health care workers who deal with tuberculosis patients.