What is New Tuberculosis?

Abstract

Tuberculosis remains a enormous challenge to humankind, whether viewed in terms of numbers, economic impact or human suffering, and it is thus appropriate that it be included in the programme of a congress of this nature. Sadly, in the 1980's it was in danger of being relegated to an ugly duckling status in medicine, largely because of its rapidly declining incidence in developed countries. With the outbreak of the AIDS epidemic there has been a resurgence of interest and research in this disease, more as a result of its becoming a renewed threat in western countries than as result of a global philanthropy. This renewed interest has resulted in many impressive advances in understanding of the immunology, molecular biology and genetics of mycobacterial infections and of the economic, sociological and other epidemio-logical aspects of the disease.