title: [Epidemiogy and treatment of tuberculosis in Switzerland].
abstract: Problems in tuberculosis are its rarity, drug-resistant strains, and patients' social aspects. Knowing the epidemiology helps to "think tuberculosis" when some anamnestic and clinical findings are present. In a not too seriously ill patient, the emergency consists of excluding infectious tuberculosis by sputum smear examinations. A positive result will lead to the patient's isolation and the initiation of treatment. Negative smears allow to wait for culture results, while following the patient and repeating smears after a non-specific antibiotic treatment. In case of strong suspicion of tuberculosis or risk for a rapid progression, the treatment should begin without delay. Discussion with a specialist is often warranted. A follow-up by the Swiss Pulmonary Association is recommended to prevent the patient from defaulting from treatment.
authors.affiliation: Office fédéral de la santé publique Maladies transmissibles, 3003 Berne. peter.helbling@bag.admin.ch
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Helbling
authors.forename: Jean-Pierre
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Zellweger
authors.forename: Ekkehardt
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Altpeter
authors.forename: Karim
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Boubaker
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008875:Middle Aged; D013557:Switzerland / Q000453:epidemiology; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology*