Current epidemiological aspects of tuberculosis and the impact of the DOTS strategy in disease control

This article aims to present the current situation of tuberculosis and how the DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment Short Course) strategy has impacted national tuberculosis control programs worldwide, in Latin America and in Brazil. Data reveal a tendency towards a slow decline in disease rates (1%) around the world in 2003. In Brazil, data indicate a constant downward tendency of approximately 3% a year in incidence levels. The DOTS strategy has been recommended to all countries. Brazil needs to improve its tuberculosis surveillance efforts, particularly in terms of confirming negative sputum smear results at the end of treatment.

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Vendramini,Silvia Helena Figueiredo, Villa,Tereza Cristina Scatena, Santos,Maria de Lourdes S. Geraldes, Gazetta,Cláudia Eli
Format: Digital revista
Language:English
Published: Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto / Universidade de São Paulo 2007
Online Access:http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0104-11692007000100025
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!