Why Is It Called Scrofula?

Scrofula, the Latin word for brood sow, it is the term applied to tuberculosis (TB) of the neck. Tuberculosis is the oldest documented infectious disease. In the United States, pulmonary tuberculosis accounts for most tuberculosis cases.

What is scrofula called today?

Doctors also call scrofula “cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis”: Cervical refers to the neck. Lymphadenitis refers to inflammation in the lymph nodes, which are part of the body's immune system.

Why is scrofula called King's evil?

Her social contacts did not receive treatment because their test results for active or latent infection were negative. Tuberculous lymphadenitis (scrofula) was known as the “king's evil” in Europe, where the royal touch was believed to cure the disease until the 18th century.