Treatment of TB

       Tuberculosis (TB) caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is separated into two conditions since the bacteria does not make every infected person sick. Latent TB infection and TB disease are the two conditions that can be treated. However, if TB disease is not treated properly, it can be fatal.
     

Treatment for Latent TB Infection 

     The treatment for latent TB infection is prescribed so the infection does not develop into TB disease. Latent TB is where the bacteria in the body are not active; therefore, the person is not sick and does not show symptoms. Since there are fewer bacteria in the infected person, the treatment is easier than that of TB disease. However, people with weak immune systems are at a higher risk for developing TB disease. It is very important to complete the entire treatment for latent TB infection to insure that the person does not develop TB disease if the bacteria become active and multiply. Medications that are often used to treat latent TB infection include:

• rifampin (RIF)
• rifapentine (RPT)
• isoniazid (INH)

Treatment for TB Disease 

     TB disease is also known by the active bacteria in the body, which will make a person sick, and possibly make others sick. TB disease is treated by taking drugs approved by your doctor, for about 6 to 9 months. It is very important to take the drugs exactly as prescribed by your doctor for easier treatment. If you stop taking the drugs to soon, or they are not taken correctly, the TB bacteria that are alive can become resistant to the drugs. Resistant TB is much more difficult to treat. Some of the drugs used to treat TB disease include: 

• rifampin (RIF) 
• isoniazid (INH)
• ethambutol (EMB)
• pyrazinamide (PZA) 

The Completion of Treatment 

       Treatment completion is noted by the number of doses taken over a period of time indicated by your doctor. People with HIV infection, pregnancy, or drug resistance, are certain circumstances where modifications to the treatment plan may take place. 

References: 

Tuberculosis: Treatment. (2012, August 1.). Retrieved October 8, 2014, from http://www.cdc.gov/tb/topic/treatment/default.htm