The history of tuberculosis treatment in West Pomerania, Poland

Abstract Tuberculosis is a widespread disease whose treatment in the West Pomeranian region dates back to the end of the 19th century. After World War II, the main place responsible for tuberculosis management was the National Tuberculosis Sanatorium, known today as Specialist Hospital in Szczecin – Zdunowo. Initially, treatment involved a high-calorie diet, the use of copper or gold salts, tuberculin injections, light therapy, and appropriate environmental conditions. However, positive results had rarely been achieved before the introduction of antibiotics in tuberculosis treatment in the mid-20th century. Interestingly, the prevalence of tuberculosis in West Pomerania in Poland has been significantly lower compared with national figures.