Bad blood

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Bad Blood refers to a historical term used to describe a variety of conditions and diseases. The term is often associated with the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, a notorious medical experiment conducted by the United States Public Health Service.

History[edit | edit source]

The term "bad blood" has been used in various cultures and periods to describe a range of illnesses and conditions. In the United States, it was commonly used in the South to refer to a variety of ailments, including syphilis, anemia, and fatigue.

Tuskegee Syphilis Study[edit | edit source]

The term "bad blood" is most infamously associated with the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, a 40-year experiment conducted by the United States Public Health Service. The study began in 1932 and involved 600 African-American men, 399 of whom had previously contracted syphilis. The men were told they were being treated for "bad blood," a term which was used to obscure the true nature of their condition and the experiment.

Modern Usage[edit | edit source]

In modern times, the term "bad blood" is less commonly used in a medical context. However, it is often used metaphorically to describe interpersonal conflict or animosity.

See Also[edit | edit source]


Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD