Recommendations for Use of Short-Course Isoniazid-Rifapentine for Latent TB

This two-drug regimen, administered weekly for just 12 weeks, is efficacious in preventing active disease in patients with latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.

Target Population: Healthcare providers who treat patients suspected of having latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection

Sponsoring Organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Type: Evidence-based consensus guidelines using a grading system

Key Points: Active tuberculosis (TB) develops in 5% to 10% of individuals who become infected with M. tuberculosis, typically after a latency period of 6 to 18 months but sometimes decades later. The mainstay of prevention in the U.S. has been self-supervised daily treatment with isoniazid (INH) for 9 months. Compliance with this regimen has been poor, however, with completion rates of 60% or less. Daily rifampin (RIF) for 4 to 6 months has been prescribed when the bacterium is INH resi…

Reviewing Author

Stephen G. Baum, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardClinical Infectious Diseases

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