As one of the largest studies ever done on tuberculosis wraps up researchers are optimistic about its results.
Tuberculosis is an infection that typically affects the lungs, and is currently treated with a lengthy, nine month regimen of drugs. However, this study shows two drugs, Ioniazid and Rifapentine, taken once a week for three months proved to be just as effective as the longer standard treatment. The study, done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is an optimistic new way to treat the illness.
“Although the standard regimen is very effective in treating latent TB infection, ensuring that those who need treatment both begin and complete the lengthy, cumbersome Isoniazid regimen is challenging,” said CDC Director Thomas R. Frieden, M.D. “New, simpler ways to prevent TB disease are urgently needed, and this breakthrough represents one of the biggest developments in TB treatment in decades.”
According to the CDC, the number of persons with TB disease is at an all-time low in the U.S. with 11,181 total cases reported in 2010, however, approximately 4 percent of the U.S. population, or 11 million people, are infected with the TB bacterium.
Given the promise of these results, CDC has already held an expert consultation to review the data and begin working on new guidelines for its use in the United States. Researchers caution that these results are only directly applicable to countries with low-to-medium incidence of TB like the United States and Canada.
About the study
The study lasted about ten years and tracked more than 8,000 patients mostly in the U.S. and Canada. Patients were randomly given a nine month regimen of drugs, or the shorter version lasting just three months. The results not only proved effective, but 82% of patients finished the drugs compared to that of the standard treatment which came in at 69% completion.
For more about the study check out the Center for Disease Control and Prevention Website.
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