TUBERCULOSIS IN THE 1990S - ISSUES FOR PRIMARY-CARE PHYSICIANS

After declining for many years, tuberculosis rates have begun to level off in Canada. Groups at particularly high risk include aboriginal Canadians, immigrants from high-prevalence countries, HIV-infected people, and elderly men. If disease is suspected, appropriate investigations, including sputum tests for bacteriology and chest x-ray examinations, should be done. Response to treatment is excellent. Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for certain patients. Vaccination with BCG has a limited but important role, especially for aboriginal Canadians.