Module 5: DSTB Treatment

Case holding is the set of procedures that begins at diagnosis and continues to initiation of treatment and then throughout the treatment duration. Activities include treatment education for the patient, family members and treatment supporters, regular adherence to counselling, provision of psychosocial support and medical management. Medical management consists of: (1) assignment of the appropriate treatment regimen; (2) monitoring of treatment response; and (3) monitoring and management of adverse events. Uninterrupted intake of anti-TB medication by patients coupled with provision of a comprehensive patient-centered care by health-care workers are essential to achieve cure for TB and MDR-TB patients. This chapter is divided into two sections: i) treatment of drug-susceptible tuberculosis (DSTB); and ii) treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DRTB). This video will focus on treatment of DSTB.