Treatment of Latent Tuberculosis Infection-An Update

Clin Chest Med. 2019 Dec;40(4):839-848. doi: 10.1016/j.ccm.2019.07.008.

Abstract

Treatment of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is an important component of TB control and elimination. LTBI treatment regimens include once-weekly isoniazid plus rifapentine for 3 months, daily rifampin for 4 months, daily isoniazid plus rifampin for 3-4 months, and daily isoniazid for 6-9 months. Isoniazid monotherapy is efficacious in preventing TB disease, but the rifampin- and rifapentine-containing regimens are shorter and have similar efficacy, adequate safety, and higher treatment completion rates. Novel vaccine strategies, host immunity-directed therapies and ultrashort antimicrobial regimens for TB prevention, such as daily isoniazid plus rifapentine for 1 month, are under evaluation.

Keywords: Isoniazid; Latent tuberculosis infection; Prevention and control; Review; Rifampin; Rifapentine; Treatment; Tuberculosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antitubercular Agents / pharmacology
  • Antitubercular Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Latent Tuberculosis / drug therapy*
  • Male

Substances

  • Antitubercular Agents