The resurgence of tuberculosis

Abstract

Tuberculosis is once again becoming a major problem in the United States. In order to place this in the proper perspective, one need only note that contrary to the situation in the United States over the past eight decades, tuberculosis on a global scale has continued to be a major health problem, with approximately 3 million persons each year dying from this disease—more than any other single infectious disease. Resistance is the rule, not the exception, with approximately 50% of isolates having multi-drug resistance. Unless aggressive efforts are made, the United States may well join the rest of the world as far as tuberculosis is concerned.