The study examined the possible association between urban deprivation and TB in the elderly by comparing the TB notification rates in the Urban Priority Area (UPA, which includes the inner city and most of the poorer housing estates) and the rest of Leeds, UK, between 1986-1990. The results were analysed by chi-square test and revealed a greater than two-fold increase in notifications for TB in elderly subjects resident in areas of urban deprivation. The findings highlight concerns over continuing poverty and deprivation among Britain's elderly population.