BackgroundThe optimal duration of preventive therapy for tuberculosis (TB) among HIV-infected persons in TB-endemic countries is unknown.MethodsAn open-label randomized clinical trial was performed and analyzed for equivalence. Seven hundred and twelve HIV-infected, ART-naïve patients without active TB were randomized to receive either ethambutol 800 mg and isoniazid 300 mg daily for six-months (6EH) or isoniazid 300 mg daily for 36-months (36H). Drugs were dispensed fortnightly and adherence checked by home visits. Patients had chest radiograph, sputum smear and culture performed every six months, in addition to investigations if they developed symptoms. The primary endpoint was incident TB while secondary endpoints were all-cause mortality and adverse events. Survival analysis was performed on the modified intent to treat population (m-ITT) and rates compared.FindingsTuberculosis developed in 22 (6.4%) of 344 subjects in the 6EH arm and 13 (3.8%) of 339 subjects in the 36H arm with incidence rates of 2.4/100py (95%CI- 1.4–3.5) and 1.6/100py (95% CI-0.8–3.0) with an adjusted rate ratio (aIRR) of 1.6 (0.8–3.2). Among TST-positive subjects, the aIRR of 6EH was 1.7 (0.6–4.3) compared to 36H, p = 0.8. All-cause mortality and toxicity were similar in the two arms. Among 15 patients with confirmed TB, 4 isolates were resistant to isoniazid and 2 were multidrug-resistant.InterpretationBoth regimens were similarly effective in preventing TB, when compared to historical incidence rates. However, there was a trend to lower TB incidence with 36H. There was no increase in isoniazid resistance compared to the expected rate in HIV-infected patients.The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00351702.

A 5-drug daily regimen with moxifloxacin results in significantly higher sputum culture conversion in the first 2 months compared with a thrice-weekly, 4-drug regimen in patients with newly diagnosed sputum-positive pulmonary tuberculosis.

Background: The treatment for MDR-TB characterized by rigorous treatment regimen for long duration, higher incidence of adverse side effects, lower cure rate, and high treatment costs. This could lead to number of psychosocial problems that influence treatment adherence. MDR-TB patients registered under DOTS Plus programme during the period of 2013-2014 in Chennai and Madurai districts, of Tamilnadu were included for this study.Objective: To understand the psychosocial issues facing MDR-TB patients, who are diagnosed and registered for treatment under DOTS plus programme.Methodology: This study used Focus Group Discussions with people with MDR-TB. Focus Group Discussions were focused on physical, psychological, social and economical challenges which MDR-TB patients faced during their treatment.Results: Most of the study participants did not disclose their TB status, even to their family members. The majority of patients were not aware of the diagnosis of MDR-TB and long duration of treatment. Stigma from family, community and health providers has been experienced by the majority of patients. Patients and their families were afraid of losing economic stability which was already precarious owing to the disease. This fear has often generated a great deal of stress.Conclusion: Study finding indicates that there is a significant psychological, social, and financial impact of MDR-TB that has a direct impact on quality of life of MDR-TB patients and their families. There is a need for psychosocial intervention model (strategies) for MDR-TB patients and their caregivers to mitigate the negative effects.SAARC J TUBER LUNG DIS HIV/AIDS, 2017; XIV(1), page: 14-21

background Shortening tuberculosis (TB) treatment duration is a research priority. We tested the efficacy and safety of 3-and 4-month regimens containing moxifloxacin in a randomised clinical trial in pulmonary TB (PTB) patients in South India. methods New, sputum-positive, adult, HIV-negative, non-diabetic PTB patients were randomised to 3-or 4-month moxifloxacin regimens [moxifloxacin (M), isoniazid (H), rifampicin (R), pyrazinamide (Z) and ethambutol (E)] or to a control regimen (2H 3 R 3 Z 3 E 3 /4R 3 H 3 ) [C]. The 4 test regimens were 3R 7 H 7 Z 7 E 7 M 7 [M3], 2R 7 H 7 Z 7 E 7 M 7 /2R 7 H 7 M 7 [M4], 2R 7 H 7 Z 7 E 7 M 7 /2R 3 H 3 M 3 [M4-I] or 2R 7 H 7 Z 7 E 7 M 7 /2R 3 H 3 E 3 M 3 [M4-IE]. Treatment was directly observed. Clinical and bacteriological assessments were done monthly during treatment and for 24 months post-treatment. The primary end point was TB recurrence post-treatment.results Of 1371 patients, randomised, modified intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis was done in 1329 and per-protocol (PP) analysis in 1223 patients. Regimen M3 was terminated due to high TB recurrence rates. 'Favourable' response at end of treatment was 96-100% in the moxifloxacin regimens and 93% in the control regimen. Among these, the TB recurrence occurred in 4.1% in the M4 regimen and in 4.5% in the control regimen and demonstrated equivalence within a 5% margin (95% CI À3.68, 4.55). Similar findings were observed in modified ITT analysis. The TB recurrence rates in the M4-I and M4-IE regimens did not show equivalence with the control regimen. Sixteen (1.4%) of 1087 patients in the moxifloxacin regimens required treatment modification.conclusion The 4-month daily moxifloxacin regimen [M4] was found to be equivalent and as safe as the 6-month thrice-weekly control regimen.keywords tuberculosis, chemotherapy of tuberculosis, short course chemotherapy, moxifloxacin, fluoroquinolones Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 3 (good health and well-being), SDG 17 (partnerships for the goals)