Treatment of Drug-Susceptible Tuberculosis

The main goals of this chapter are to establish tuberculosis (TB) treatment goals, how and when to start anti-TB treatment, discuss the recommended regimens for drug sensitive TB. Establish recommended doses of the primary regimen, and finally recommended treatment adjustment in special situations. Effective and on time tuberculosis treatment is essential for TB control, as it stops the spread of the disease in the community, and reduces the risk of death. All TB regimens should include the combination of bactericidal and sterilizing drugs to prevent the development of resistance and to avoid relapse. The most widely studied and recommended regimen for drug-susceptible TB cases is the 4-drug regimen [Isoniazid (H), Rifampicin (R), Pyrazinamide (Z), Ethambutol (E)]. In this chapter, recommendations regarding drug sensitive TB regimens are described, including recommendations about dosage, duration of treatent, and treatment on special situations.