Originating from Saint Paul, MN, Doctor Pundit is all about the intersection between healthcare policy, science, politics, and all surrounding points and issues. Although the entire scope of healthcare delivery and policy is much too encompassing for just one blogger to cover, I'll try my best. Enjoy! From time to time, you'll also see other items of interest that probably have nothing to do with health policy in the least. Try and keep an open mind. :) Proprietor & Editor -- Michael Douglas, MD, MBAA Quick TB Primer
From the excellent student blog, Now @ NEJM:
In 2011, there were 8.7 million new cases of active tuberculosis worldwide. Recent advances in diagnostics, drugs, and vaccines and enhanced implementation of interventions are helping to improve the prospects for global tuberculosis control. The latest review in our Current Concepts series covers the diagnosis and treatment of latent, active, and drug-resistant tuberculosis and also reviews new drugs and vaccines.
Despite the availability of a cheap and effective cure, tuberculosis remains responsible for millions of active tuberculosis cases and deaths worldwide, disproportionately affecting the poorest in both high-income and developing countries. Recent advances in new diagnostics, drugs, and vaccines and enhanced implementation of existing interventions now provide optimism for improved clinical care and prospects for global tuberculosis control.
