The national tuberculosis training initiative

Article Abstract:

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the microorganism Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is characterized by inflammation, formation of growths called tubercles, and deterioration and death of lung tissue. Other organ systems may also be involved. Although the prevalence of tuberculosis has decreased over the past 33 years with improved methods of prevention, treatment, and medical care, recent studies show that the incidence of TB is again rising, with three million persons dying from TB each year worldwide. In April 1989, a National Elimination Plan was introduced to eradicate TB from the United States by the year 2010. The plan consists of: more effective use of existing prevention and control methods among high-risk groups; the development of new approaches for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of TB; and the application of these new developments to clinical and public health practice. A National Tuberculosis Training Initiative (NTTI) was established to ensure that appropriate information about the care and control of TB is available to all practitioners and educators. An NTTI conference was held in March 1989 to make health professionals more aware of the Tuberculosis Elimination Plan and other measures to improve the diagnosis and management of this infectious disease. The Tuberculosis Elimination Plan serves as a challenge to the medical profession of the United States, and requires the knowledge and commitment by all health care professionals caring for persons with and at risk for TB. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Care and treatment, Laws, regulations and rules

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Fixed-dose combinations of antituberculous medications to prevent drug resistance

Article Abstract:

It may be preferable to routinely prescribe a single combination drug capsule when treating tuberculosis. At least two drug compounds, isoniazid and rifampin, are necessary to treat this disease. This chemotherapy is typically prescribed in two separate capsules. Researchers reviewed the current treatment methods for tuberculosis. The common use of these separate capsules can result in a 30 fold increase in resistance to one of the drugs if only one of the medications is inadvertently taken or if treatment is interrupted. Drug-resistant tuberculosis may be more difficult and more costly to treat. Treating tuberculosis with a single capsule containing both medications or supervising the therapy in a clinical setting may be advisable. Countering recent concern about dosage, the dosage in the combination capsule is consistent with current recommendations. However, only 15-18% of this chemotherapy is marketed in the United States as a single combination capsule.

Usage, Drug therapy, Combination, Combination drug therapy, Rifamate (Medication), Rifater (Medication)

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The challenge of drug-resistant tuberculosis: etiology, prevention, and management

Article Abstract:

Multidrug therapy in drug-resistant tuberculosis cases is sometimes thwarted by errors in management, so proper diagnosis and patient compliance are essential. Culture and sensitivity testing should be used to determine a proper course of treatment. TB is on the rise as an offshoot of the problems associated with HIV infection, homelessness, and drug abuse, so proper management is needed to prevent drug-resistant TB from spreading.

Complications and side effects, Antitubercular agents

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