What is Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attack the lungs, but TB bacteria can attack any part of the body such as the kidney, spine, and brain. If not treated properly, TB disease can be fatal.
TB is spread through the air from one person to another. The TB bacteria are put into the air when a person with TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings. People nearby may breathe in these bacteria and become infected.
TB is NOT spread by:
- shaking someone's hand
- sharing food or drink
- touching bed linens or toilet seats
- sharing toothbrushes
- kissing
Treatment Options for Latent TB Infection (LTBI)
Isoniazid (INH) + Rifapentine (Rpt) |
3HP |
Once Weekly |
12 weeks |
4 doses per packet x 3 packets |
VOT* |
12 |
1st choice given convenience and high completion rate |
Rifampin (Rmp) |
4R
|
Daily |
4 Months |
30 days/ bottle x 4 |
SAT^ |
120 |
Persons who cannot take 3HP |
Isoniazid (INH) |
9H |
Daily |
9 Months |
30 days/ bottle x 9 |
SAT
|
270 |
Persons who cannot take 3HP or 4R |
Isoniazid
(INH) +
Rifampin
(Rmp) |
3HR |
Daily |
3 Months
|
30 days/ bottle x 9
|
SAT |
90
|
Especially useful in persons with moderately or highly increased risk for progression to TB disease |
Levofloxacin |
6L |
Daily |
6 Months |
30 days/ bottle x 9 |
SAT |
180 |
Persons who cannot take INH or a rifamycin |
Rifamycins: Rifampin; Rifapentine; Rifabutin |
VOT*: Video observed treatment
SAT^: Self-administered treatment
|
Updated April 2018
Tuberculosis Staff
Clinical Services
David Yost M.D. Family Medicine, Medical Director
Belinda Davis, RN, BSN, TB Nurse Case Manager
Ethan Smith RN, MSN, TB Nurse Case Manager
Guadalupe Leon M.A., TB Medical Assistant
Epidemiology
Meghan Randall BSc, Psych, TB Infectious Disease Investigator, Sr.
Treatment Adherence Unit
TBD, Program Coordinator
Administrative Unit
Susana Marr, RN, BSN, MHA, TB Control Program Nurse Manager
Yvette Flores RMA (Administrative Medical Assistant)