Annual review of medicine
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Tuberculosis (TB) remains an important public health problem worldwide, resulting in a estimated 8 to 10 million new cases and 2 to 3 million deaths each year. Between 1953 and 1985, the number of TB cases in the US declined by an average of 6% per year. However, since 1985, TB has been increasing in the US. ⋯ The unusual radiographic findings and the increased likelihood of extrapulmonary TB in HIV-infected persons make diagnosis of the disease problematic. Lastly, concomitant with the resurgence of TB has been the emergence of drug resistance. All of these factors make successful control of TB in the US difficult.
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Although older individuals drink less and report fewer alcohol-related problems than do younger individuals, alcohol use and abuse are significant health issues for older patients. The signs and symptoms of alcohol problems and dependence in the elderly may not only differ from those of young problem drinkers, but may also be present at lower levels of alcohol consumption. Older alcoholics do well in alcohol treatment. Therefore, discussion of alcohol consumption is a critical part of every history and physical examination for all patients, including older individuals.