[Current problems in juvenile tuberculosis. 1. The current epidemiological state of tuberculosis]

Although tuberculosis as an epidemic is generally regressing it must still be considered as a disease which is widespread throughout Germany and throughout the world. The yearly rate of new infections is high - nearly 36,000 cases in the Federal Republic of Germany, Nearly 40% of our population is virulently infected and therefore a possible factor in the outbreak of new epidemics. Even if tuberculosis were to be exterminated in our country, it is possible that immigrants, returning emigrants or guest-workers coming from infected regions, may bring further epidemics. They would then come in contact with a non-immunized population. It is therefore urgently necessary to recognize and not to neglect this disease. This is the only possible way to combat this imminent danger and to successfully implement the almost certain methods of treatment.