Musculoskeletal Tuberculosis

Abstract

The overall goals of antituberculosis therapy are multifaceted and include achieving cure without relapse of disease, stopping transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and preventing the emergence of drug-resistant strains. In this article, we review the recommended patient-centered approach to successfully achieving these goals including details about current treatment regimens, methods to promote adherence and prevent relapse, management of drug-resistant tuberculosis and management of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Detailed information on treatment of tuberculosis in special situations (patients with renal disease or hepatic disease, those of advanced age, etc.), the use of case management strategies (including DOT), regimen and dosing selection in adults and children (daily vs. intermittent), the role of therapeutic drug monitoring, treatment of tuberculosis in the presence of HIV infection (duration of tuberculosis treatment and timing of initiation of ART), treatment of tuberculosis in children, treatment of tuberculosis during pregnancy, and treatment of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, as well as key research priorities, are provided in recently published official guidelines developed by the newly published Official ATS/CDC/IDSATreatment of Drug-Susceptible Tuberculosis Guidelines available online.