[Tuberculosis and the Chernobyl tragedy: status and prognosis]

The analysis of the epidemiologic situation was made in view of tuberculosis in those areas of the Byelorussian SSR which suffered from radiation as a consequence of the accident at the Chernobyl atomic power plant. A higher level of tuberculosis morbidity among the population (especially among children and adolescents) is recorded in the areas of strict radiation control. The pattern of clinical forms of pulmonary tuberculosis tends to deteriorate in addition to a higher percentage of disseminated smear-positive lung processes. Besides, new difficulties arise due to the organization of an early detection of tuberculosis cases on account of limited X-ray screening of the population to decrease the radiation load on the body. Lower immune status of those subjected to the radiation is demonstrated. The authors predict an unfavorable development of the situation for the nearest future regarding tuberculosis incidence over the radionuclide-polluted territories of the Republic.