Tuberculosis and general practitioners

In spite of advancement of knowledge in diagnosis and management, tuberculosis is still the biggest health problem. There are more than 400 million people infected with tuberculous bacillus and more than 14 million cases are suffering from the disease. Prevention, control and care of tuberculosis are possible. General practitioners play a major role in combating the disease. Quick and right diagnosis and treating the cases effectively should be the motto. Sputum microscopy is the backbone of diagnosis of tuberculosis. With the availability of modern chemotherapy the outcome of a tuberculosis case has undergone dramatic changes. Short-course chemotherapy is the standard choice while tackling cases of tuberculosis. Results of directly observed treatment (DOT) strategy are very good provided execution is proper. HIV/AIDS, another dreaded disease if becomes co-infected along with tuberculosis, mortality and morbidity become very high. The general practitioners are the major strength of healthcare system in any society. They should be good enough to know all about the control programmes well implemented in the country.