ABSTRACT
As with most aspects of tuberculosis (TB), there is an increasing disparity between the richest nations and the poorest. While life expectancy in some of the poorest countries decreases, life expectancy in most developed countries is increasing. TB in the elderly is therefore an increasing problem in the developed world, but may be diminishing in some parts of the developing world. As longevity increases in the richer nations TB in the elderly is likely to remain a continuing and even an increasing problem.
