Recent developments in the treatment of tuberculosis.
The history of chemotherapy of tuberculosis commenced in 1944 with the discovery of streptomycin. Currently, short-course chemotherapy comprising rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide and ethambutol/streptomycin administered under directly observed settings for 6 months (initially all four drugs followed by the former two drugs), constitutes the cornerstone treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis. Multi-drug resistant tuberculosis requires alternative chemotherapy, ideally in the form of individualised regimens, for management. To improve on the duration of chemotherapy for drug-susceptible tuberculosis and to achieve better treatment for multi-drug resistant tuberculosis as well as latent tuberculosis infection, there arises a genuine need for new drugs. The quest for new agents is, however, impeded by obstacles. Hopefully, tackling these through collaborative public-private partnerships on an international scale will lead to a fruitful outcome.
Davies
Peter D O
PD
Tuberculosis Research Unit, Cardiothoracic Centre, Liverpool, L14 3PE, UK. Peter.Davies2@ccl-tr.nwest.nhs.uk
Yew
W W
WW
D000818:Animals; D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018088:Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000995:Antitubercular Agents