Following on from studies into
short course therapy with rifampicin, with the added benefit of being able to track the success of the treatment using QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube, we have
this study into previously treated TB patients
Specific T (EM or effector memory) cells persist even in subjects treated for TB decades ago with modern anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy
Clearly to eradicate TB there is a need to monitor TB therapy which makes the
following trials more compelling
In this trial, 3 months rifampin had somewhat better efficacy than either 3 months of isoniazid and rifampin (3HR) or 6 months isoniazid.
Two large scale trials are ongoing; one is comparing efficacy and effectiveness of 9H with 4 months rifampin (both daily and self-administered), while the second, which is nearing completion, compares daily self-administered 9H with 3 months directly observed once weekly INH combined with rifapentine.
The results of these two trials will likely shape future recommendations substantially.
Should the trials prove that a short course of rifampin (or rifampicin) is preferred there are the following benefits;
- reduced risk of hepatoxicity to the patient
- shortened treatment period which is more acceptable to the patient
- ability to determine if the infection has been fully eradicated.
- an opportunity to eradicate TB entirely
All this and more, made possible by QuantiFERON.
