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Basic principles reiterated:
1. Multiple drugs must be included in the regimen from the start of therapy.
2. Drug sensitivity must be used as a guideline for choice of drugs as soon as this is available
3. Check for bacteriologic response within the expected time . This may be variable. Sputum conversion is the single most important test in following a patient with TB
4. Never add a single drug to a failing regimen
5. Duration of therapy must be for sufficient period of time and may be variable
6. Measures to improve compliance and adherence must be implemented
7. DOT (Directly Observed Therapy) must be the first priority
8. Immigrants from developing countries should be assumed to have isoniazid resistant disease unless proven otherwise.
1. ATS/CDCP. Treatment of tuberculosis and tuberculosis infection in adults and children. Am Rev Respir Dis 1994; 149: 1359-1374
2. IUAT Committee on Prophylaxis . Efficacy of various durations of Isoniazid preventive therapy for tuberculosis: IUAT trial. BULL WHO 1982; 60: 555-564
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