APPLIED EPIDEMIOLOGY AND LOGIC IN TUBERCULOSIS-CONTROL

Abstract

The epidemiology of tuberculosis is reviewed with particular reference to the risk of tuberculous disease after infection with the tubercle bacillus. Suppressive or sterilizing chemotherapy for infected but otherwise healthy individuals in certain high-risk groups should be used. Radiological examination of symptomatic persons may detect many potential sources of infection. Patients with microscopically positive sputum have infected many of their contacts before diagnosis. Poor nutrition is seemingly important in the epidemiology of tuberculosis.