Short course chemotherapy for pulmonary tuberculosis

Abstract

The study of intermittent and short term medical treatment is the most recent development in the campaign against tuberculosis. A very detailed study was made of the literature dealing with studies in Africa, Singapore and Hong Kong concerning longer and shorter courses in various combinations with tuberculostatics. A study was made of the effect of various drugs on animals and man. Reference was made to the role of the pH, location of the bacterium inside or outside the cell, pO2, concentration of the drug and exact effect. The principal drugs are INH, rifampicin and pyrazinamide. Rifampicin is expensive and on intermittent use causes more trouble than on daily use. Further study will be necessary to attain treatment of optimum efficacy and minimum duration. (Kromsigt - Emmen)