Moxifloxacin Speeds Culture Conversion During TB Treatment

The proportion of patients who are culture negative at 8 weeks is greater with TB treatments containing moxifloxacin than with those containing ethambutol.

Moxifloxacin, a fourth-generation fluoroquinolone, has demonstrated potent in vitro activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Now, investigators in Brazil have conducted a phase II, double-blind trial to assess the potential role of this drug in treating adults with sputum smear–positive pulmonary TB. HIV-infected individuals with CD4 counts <200 cells/mm³ were excluded.

A total of 170 patients were randomized to receive moxifloxacin (donated by industry) or ethambutol — in addition to isoniazid (INH), rifampicin, and pyrazinamide — 5 days per week for 8 weeks; treatment was directly observed. They then received 4 months of twice-weekly INH and rifampicin. Follow-up continued for at least 1 year beyond completion of all therapy. Modified …

Reviewing Author

Mary E. Wilson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardOneHealthTrust (formerly Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics, and Policy); Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsJournal of Travel Medicine

Mary E. Wilson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardOneHealthTrust (formerly Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics, and Policy); Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsJournal of Travel Medicine