TUBERCULOSIS IN THE TROPICS .15.

Until recently tuberculosis was considered a well controlled disease, at least in developed countries. in developing countries, more than se ven million people are affected by active tuberculosis. This situation is exacerbated by poor infrastructure to support tuberculosis control measures and the interaction between tuberculosis and infection with the human immunodeficiency virus. The three major strategies for contr olling tuberculosis remain BCG vaccination in children, appropriate pr eventive therapy and, most importantly, reducing the sources of infect ion through case finding and curative treatment. Research and resource s to improve on these strategies should be given high priority by the international health community.