How did streptomycin become an important treatment for tuberculosis?

Streptomycin became a landmark treatment for tuberculosis because it was the first antibiotic discovered that was effective against the disease.1

Discovered in 1943 by Selman Waksman and his associates at Rutgers University, the drug is synthesized by the soil microorganism Streptomyces griseus. Its therapeutic potential was confirmed in 1944–45 by veterinarian W.H. Feldman and physician H.C. Hinshaw at the Mayo Clinic, who demonstrated that the agent could specifically inhibit the growth of the tuberculosis bacterium in both animals and humans.12

Following these findings, streptomycin saw wide clinical use, marking a significant shift from the previous reliance on sanitariums for patient isolation. Over time, because the bacteria developed resistance to the drug, it became standard practice to use streptomycin in combination with other medications to ensure effective treatment.12