Prevention of tuberculosis has been approached in 2 ways. In 1921, Calmette and Guerin developed an attenuated strain of Mycobacterium bovis, which many countries throughout the world have used, with variable results, as a vaccine. There have been recent improvements in tuberculosis-control methodology. Effective treatment regimens of 9 months' duration are now available, and research continues in attempts to further shorten treatment. Fluorescence microscopy has made the examination of sputum smears faster, easier, and more accurate.
Phage typing is a useful tool for studying the epidemiology of tuberculosis.
Newer immunologic techniques offer promise of improved diagnostic tests, and rapid radiometric methods of identifying M. tuberculosis and testing for drug susceptibility are being developed. Progress has been less dramatic in developing countries. Tuberculosis stubbornly persists as a major worldwide health problem. Eradication of tuberculosis, although possibly attainable in technical terms, remains an elusive goal. Reference Koch R. Die Atiologic der Tuberkulose.