A method of controlled home treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis in Tanganyika

The organisation and administration of a home treatment scheme is described. The scheme provided part of a tuberculosis control system in a portion of Tanganyika Territory. The aim was to ensure that patients could not be ‘lost’ and were regular in taking their medicines. The scheme relied on a staff of tuberculosis home visitors and on the active co-operation of the patients' community leaders. The patients were actively persuaded to participate in their own cure. The results of treatment in a series of 100 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and positive sputum smears originally admitted in 1957 are detailed. 95 patients remain; 2 have died from causes other than tuberculosis and 1 from tuberculosis; 1 had been ‘lost’ and another had left the country. The sputum was negative on smear examination in 94 of the 95, and 89 showed considerable general improvement. 80 showed considerable radiographic clearing and these included 31 whose x-rays showed virtual resolution of the lesions.