[Epidemiology and diagnosis of tuberculosis]

Major epidemiological aspects of tuberculosis, a worldwide diffuse disease, are examined with regard to socio-economical consequences in different countries. These data are compared with the latest statistical informations collected in Italy. Although incidence and prevalence of tuberculosis in our country are constantly decreasing, the disease is still a problem both from the diagnostic and therapeutic point of view and from the social one, also in view of the diminished surveillance on the disease. Diagnostic aspects of tuberculosis are also discussed, and the present rarity of some clinical forms (miliary tbc, caseating pneumonia) is emphasized.