[The development of tuberculosis epidemiology in the German Democratic Republic]

The development of tuberculosis in GDR is analysed upon the different points of view. After assessing the validity of the parameters for evaluating the tuberculosis problem (mortality, incidence and prevalence of disease and infection) some aspects remarkable for tuberculosis control are discussed. Tuberculosis has been vastly reduced in all parameters since 1949. However, the regression of tuberculosis did not occur with the same rate in the various age and finding groups. By this the efficacy of the control measures has changed making necessary a reconsideration of the methods. The Volkskrankheit (common disease in the population) tuberculosis has become a vastly reduced endemic disease in GDR. For future tuberculosis control conclusions are drawn from the analysis.