PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS IN A HOMELESS PERSON (REPRINTED FROM MOSBY YEARBOOK, PG 252-7, 1995)

Infection control practitioners and others interested in applied epide miology often find their interest sparked by specific cases. When enco untering new or different cases, they find their curiosity stimulated to learn more about the disease entity or problem involved. They also find their understanding broadened and enriched as they relate their g eneral knowledge about a given topic to the unique particulars of thei r situation. These same phenomena frequently have prompted the use of case studies in didactic exercises. Many of us find it easier to learn universal principles from concrete examples. Hoping to provide the be nefits associated with case-based learning, the Editors are introducin g a new section to the Journal - Clinical Case Studies. The following case study by Marguerite M. Jackson entitled, ''Pulmonary Tuberculosis in a Homeless Person,'' is the first entry in this series. This case study highlights a number of TB Issues and places them in their broade r societal context. The Editors plan to publish two or three case stud ies each year, and they welcome suggestions for topics from the divers e areas identified in the Journal's editorial policies statement.