Tuberculosis was once very prevalent, chronic, debilitating, difficult to treat, and incurable. A large group of hospitals, practitioners, and programs purported to solve the problem gradually over the years. With the introduction of new and better treatments as well as understanding of the pathogenesis and recognition of preventive measures and care entering the mainstream of medicine (1), the disease prevalence diminished, and soon was thought of no more. It was forgotten but, alas, not gone.
In 1989 it has finally been noted that tuberculosis, contrary to the prevalent belief, has returned and has apparently returned with a vengeance. Case rates