Recent developments in the treatment of tuberculosis

Abstract

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.

• ethambutol
• isoniazid
• pyrazinamide
• rifampicin
• streptomycin
• treatment
• tuberculosis