Several of the new outbreaks have been caused by deadly strains of bacteria that are resistant to most tuberculosis drugs.

For example, in the Philippines, a certain tuberculosis drug is commonly used as sort of a "lung vitamin," the report says.

Lupin first gained recognition when it became one of the world's largest manufacturers of tuberculosis drugs.

But unlike the tuberculosis drugs, the AIDS drugs are newer and in many countries have patents that protect them from generic competition.

The W.H.O. set up the program to buy tuberculosis drugs in March and will soon start distributing them to qualified developing countries.

It is usually given in combination with other tuberculosis drugs, such as isoniazid, rifampicin and pyrazinamide.

Other possible causes include medications, like prednisone or other corticosteroids; isoniazid, a tuberculosis drug; barbiturates, and lithium.

Around the same time Kaplan published her work on thalidomide, Celgene received a contract to manufacture a tuberculosis drug.

They advocate treating such patients with tuberculosis drugs as well as keeping them in isolation until doctors are convinced they do not have tuberculosis.

When she was sent to Goldwater last Sept. 17, the papers say, she showed resistance to two tuberculosis drugs.