Epidemiologic basis of tuberculosis control

Abstract

Efficient tuberculosis control can be achieved in the absence of an extensive theoretical background. However, a thorough understanding of the etiologic agent, the clinical presentation of tuberculosis, the epidemiology of tuberculosis, the role of various intervention strategies, and of how to efficiently apply the tools currently available for the control of tuberculosis, is likely to increase the efficiency of a national tuberculosis program. A theoretical background will also help program managers at all levels to base their practice on modern concepts of tuberculosis control, and to justify their actions when these are questioned by others.