The basis of tuberculosis treatment: fundamental concepts before treating a patient

Caminero J.A.; Singla R.; Scardigli A.; Gupta A.; Pérez-Mendoza G.; Mendoza-Ticona A. · ERS Monograph (2023) · DOI: 10.1183/2312508x.10024522

Resumen

The treatment of both drug-susceptible TB and DR-TB should be based on two principles: 1) the combination of potentially effective drugs (at least three to four) to avoid selection pressure resulting in the emergence of strains resistant to anti-TB drugs, and 2) the need for prolonged treatment in order to sterilise all infectious sites and thereby cure the patient and prevent relapses. The selection of drugs should be based on their bactericidal and sterilising properties, their ability to prevent drug resistance and their safety profile. In this chapter, we describe the basis of TB treatment and the fundamental concepts that should be considered before treating a patient with TB, and address important topics such as the minimum number of drugs needed to treat all patients with TB and DR-TB, the treatment duration, the ideal combination of anti-TB drugs and other essential aspects of TB treatment. © ERS 2023.