Tuberculosis is a rare disease in Germany. This is the result of systematic treatment, contact tracing, and supervision of public health institutions, but even more of good nutrition and immunity of the population. Considering migration waves, a higher incidence of non-diagnosed tuberculosis may be expected. Due to the airborne type of infection and constant manipulation of the airway, those working in anesthesia, intensive care and emergency medicine are exposed to an increased risk of infection with tuberculosis. To avoid hospital and community infection, several guidelines of national and international organizations are available.This article gives a summary of the mechanism and probability of infection, diagnosis of infection andpathogen detection; important guidelines are referred to, and everyday situations with risk of infection and their avoidance are described. The message is that self-protection should be possible by information and awareness.
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York.