Robert Koch did not cause tuberculosis. Rather, Robert Koch was the scientist who discovered the bacterium that causes tuberculosis. Therefore, the difference is that Koch was the person, and tuberculosis is the disease.
Here's a breakdown:
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Robert Koch (1843-1910): A German physician and microbiologist. He is considered one of the founders of bacteriology. He received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1905 for his work on tuberculosis.
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Tuberculosis (TB): An infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It typically affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body. Before Koch's discovery, it was a widespread and devastating illness known as consumption.
Essentially, Koch identified the cause of tuberculosis. The bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis is sometimes referred to as "Koch's bacillus" in recognition of his discovery. His work allowed for the development of diagnostic tests and treatments that have significantly reduced the global burden of TB.
In short: Koch = scientist; tuberculosis = disease.
