The epidemiology, mortality and morbidity of tuberculosis in Australia: 1850-94

The review covers the four major changes in the history of tuberculosis in Australia from 1850 to 1994. During the first 100 years there was no significant effective treatment. Mass miniature radiological chest screening and effective bacteriological examination of World War II army recruits resulted in reliable diagnosis. The Australian Tuberculosis Campaign 1948-76 utilized the army experience for detection, and the use of specific treatment virtually eliminated the disease. Failure to maintain strict screening of high-risk groups, especially immigrants, has led to a resurgence of tuberculosis as shown by an increase in notifications in adults and prevalence rates in secondary school children.