[The treatment of tuberculosis]

Praxis (Bern 1994). 2016 Apr 13;105(8):457-61. doi: 10.1024/1661-8157/a002322.
[Article in German]

Abstract

The incidence of tuberculosis decreases. However, clinical cases frequently raise questions, mainly in the context of contact tracing or when antimicrobial resistance is suspected. Empiric standard treatment consists of rifampin, isoniazid, ethambutol and pyrazinamide. This initial regimen aims to reduce the number of pathogenic germs while the consolidation therapy should eradicate the remaining pathogens. Treatment duration and adherence are crucial for cure. For the treatment of latent tuberculosis the traditional 6 to 9 months isoniazid regimen is still the treatment of choice. In complex cases such as tuberculosis in immunocompromised patients or if resistant tuberculosis is suspected, patients should be referred to a specialized center.

Keywords: DOT; Resistenz; Therapieadhärenz; adherence; adhérence au traitement; antituberculous treatment; antituberkulöse Therapie; resistance; résistance; traitement antituberculeux.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / drug therapy
  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / prevention & control
  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / transmission
  • Antitubercular Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Contact Tracing
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Humans
  • Latent Tuberculosis / drug therapy
  • Latent Tuberculosis / prevention & control
  • Latent Tuberculosis / transmission
  • Medication Adherence
  • Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant / drug therapy
  • Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant / prevention & control
  • Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant / transmission
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / drug therapy*
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / prevention & control
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / transmission

Substances

  • Antitubercular Agents