Treatment (Vaccines & Immunization)

The only available vaccine as of 2011 is Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) or bacille Calmette-Guérin, is a vaccine for tuberculosis (TB) disease. Many persons have been BCG-vaccinated. BCG is used in many countries with a high prevalence of TB to prevent childhood tuberculous meningitis and miliary disease.

TB disease can be treated by taking several drugs for 6 to 9 months.  There are 10 drugs currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating TB. Of the approved drugs, the first-line anti-TB agents that form the core of treatment regimens are: isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide, and either ethambutol or streptomycin. Once the TB isolate is known to be fully susceptible, ethambutol (or streptomycin, if it is used as a fourth drug) can be discontinued.

 Directly observed therapy (DOT) is recommended for all patients. With DOT, patients on the above regimens can be switched to 2- to 3-times per week dosing after an initial 2 weeks of daily dosing. Patients on twice-weekly dosing must not miss any doses. Prescribe daily therapy for patients on self-administered medication.

  • BCG vaccination
  • Immune responses
  • Drug therapy
  • DOT treatment

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