Tuberculosis in the 1990s. Issues for primary care physicians

Abstract

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.