Renal tuberculosis in a multi-racial community.

There were 44 new cases of renal tuberculosis at the Waikato Hospital, 1961-1975. Thirty-three patients were Maoris or Polynesians and 10 Europeans. Most patients were adults. Culture of the urine and intravenous urography were the most useful diagnostic tests. The patients were treated with antituberculous chemotherapy. Seventeen had surgical procedures including 10 nephrectomies. In all there was one death. Factors concerned with prevention in high risk groups are discussed.