Based on the results of studies from the 1960s-1980s the current four drug combination therapy was established as standard or short course tuberculosis therapy worldwide. The regional epidemiology and the often unique conditions within a national health system create the need for specific adjustments. Over the last years these were realized by the German central committee against tuberculosis (DZK) in the recommendations for tuberculosis therapy. Because of the recent development of migration into Germany from countries with higher tuberculosis incidences an increase in tuberculosis cases is to be expected. The expected increase in tuberculosis cases will lead to more contact with tuberculosis patients even in the outpatient setting. New S2k guidelines guided by the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany (Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Wissenschaftlichen Medizinischen Fachgesellschaften, AWMF) for the treatment of tuberculosis for children and adults are under development. Before the release of the comprehensive guidelines, practical evidence for the diagnosis and treatment of uncomplicated tuberculosis is summarized in this document to meet the challenges of the recent developments.
Keywords: Adjuvant Therapy; Drug monitoring; Epidemiology, tuberculosis; Medication adherence; Patient education.