Hippokratia 2002, 6(1):31-44
G Ilonidis
Abstract
The epidemiologic elevation of tuberculosis begins at the 16th century and reaches the 18th century, while the decrease continues until today and it is predicted to cover also the 22nd century in USA and Europe. Today tuberculosis has become the most important communicable disease in the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that tuberculosis has infected the one-third of the world population, while in developing countries the infection of tuberculosis reaches the two-thirds of the world population. in 1996, 8 million new cases of tuberculosis were marked with 3 million deaths per year since 1990.Clinical features, radiology, sputum examination, control of sensitivity in anti-tuberculosis drugs and speeific tuberculosis skin reaetion accomplish the research and diagnosis of tuberculosis. The suspension of contamination and infection is achieved at a high percentage by chemoprophylaxis and BCG vaccination. The control and prevention of the infection of tuberculosis tends to be a severe problem.The aims of controlling and preventing tuberculosis include the detection and treatment of the cases and the suspension of the development of the infection. Tuberculosis should be continuously kept under control on a national level in different community groups (age, sex and ethnic origin) in order to avoid the appearance of more resistant cases. In that way is ensured that appropriate progress is being made and more suitable control measures are being redirected.