[Pulmonary tuberculosis in 1996. Recent data and practical consequences for the anesthesiologist].

Tuberculosis is one of the most widespread diseases, occurring in more than eight million persons, and about three million die annually of tuberculosis. In industrialized countries, the incidence has increased significantly over the last 10 years. HIV infection is a main factor leading to this increase. Outbreaks of nosocomial tuberculosis among patients and healthcare workers have been reported. Tuberculosis is often caused by multidrug-resistant bacilli in patients with HIV infection. Physicians must be aware of this danger and careful adherence to guidelines is required to prevent further nosocomial spread of the disease. Airborne transmission by inhalation of infectious aerosol justifies appropriate measures for respiratory isolation to protect medical staff and other patients from the transmission of tuberculosis. In combination with some anaesthetic agents, antituberculous drugs may be responsible for hepatic toxicity. Influence of tuberculosis on regional anaesthesia and mechanical ventilation is also considered.