title: Current epidemiological aspects of tuberculosis and the impact of the DOTS strategy in disease control.
abstract: This article aims to present the current situation of tuberculosis and how the DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment Short Course) strategy has impacted national tuberculosis control programs worldwide, in Latin America and in Brazil. Data reveal a tendency towards a slow decline in disease rates (1%) around the world in 2003. In Brazil, data indicate a constant downward tendency of approximately 3% a year in incidence levels. The DOTS strategy has been recommended to all countries. Brazil needs to improve its tuberculosis surveillance efforts, particularly in terms of confirming negative sputum smear results at the end of treatment.
authors: São José do Rio Preto Medical School. silviave@eerp.usp.br
authors: Silvia Helena Figueiredo
authors: SH
authors: Vendramini
authors: Tereza Cristina Scatena
authors: TC
authors: Villa
authors: Maria de Lourdes S Geraldes
authors: Mde L
authors: Santos
authors: Cláudia Eli
authors: CE
authors: Gazetta
mesh_terms: D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control