Global epidemiology of tuberculosis.

This article provides an overview of the current scale of the global tuberculosis epidemic. It describes the global tuberculosis situation as measured by reported and estimated cases and deaths. The increasing threats of HIV-related tuberculosis and drug-resistant tuberculosis receive particular attention. There is a brief review of the extent of implementation of effective tuberculosis control using the DOTS strategy. The article ends with a summary of the approaches needed to accelerate progress in global tuberculosis control.