title: Why tuberculosis is still a health problem in the aged.
abstract: Modern chemotherapy has made the treatment of tuberculosis effective and simple. What is required is a high index of suspicion for the disease, particularly in the older members of the population. When tuberculosis is suspected, a skin test should be performed and sputum examined for acid-fast bacilli. If the skin test is positive and the x-ray compatible, therapy with isoniazid and ethambutol should be initiated while evaluation of the patient continues. Therapy need not be complicated, and the patient can be returned to his usual environment promptly if a few simple rules are followed.
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D004977:Ethambutol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007538:Isoniazid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009735:Nursing Homes; D010356:Patient Isolation; D011859:Radiography; D012293:Rifampin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013183:Sputum / Q000382:microbiology; D014374:Tuberculin Test; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D004977:Ethambutol; D007538:Isoniazid; D012293:Rifampin