The resurgence of tuberculosis (TB) in the United States has placed a
substantial segment of the adolescent population at high risk, particu
larly those adolescents residing in metropolitan areas. Physicians pro
viding health care to adolescents must be aware of the risk factors fo
r TB and of the epidemiology of this insidious disease. Active allianc
es must be established among health-care professionals in the communit
y to ensure effective screening, diagnosis, and treatment programs.