Fact Sheets
Treatment of Latent Tuberculosis Infection
(LTBI)
Last Updated: April 8, 2004
Introduction
Treatment of latent TB infection (LTBI) is essential to controlling
and eliminating TB in the United States. Treatment of LTBI substantially
reduces the risk that TB infection will progress to disease. Certain
groups are at very high risk of developing TB disease once infected,
and every effort should be made to begin appropriate treatment and
to ensure those persons complete the entire course of treatment
for LTBI.
Candidates for the Treatment of LTBI
Persons in the following high-risk groups should be given treatment
for LTBI if their reaction to the Mantoux tuberculin skin test is
³5mm:
- HIV-infected persons
- Recent contacts of a TB case
- Persons with fibrotic changes on chest radiograph consistent
with old TB
- Patients with organ transplants, and other immunosuppressed
patients (receiving the equivalent of ³15
mg/day of prednisone for ³1 month)
In addition, persons in the following high-risk groups should be
considered for treatment of LTBI if their reaction to the Mantoux
tuberculin skin test is ³10 mm:
- Recent arrivals (<5 years) from high-prevalence countries
- Injection drug users
- Residents and employees of high-risk congregate settings (e.g.,
correctional facilities, nursing homes, homeless shelters, hospitals,
and other health care facilities)
- Mycobacteriology laboratory personnel
- Persons with clinical conditions that make them high-risk
- Children <4 years of age, or children and adolescents exposed
to adults in high-risk categories
Persons with no known risk factors for TB may be considered for
treatment of LTBI if their reaction to the tuberculin test is ³15
mm. However, targeted skin testing programs should only be conducted
among high-risk groups. All testing activities should be accompanied
by a plan for follow-up care for persons with TB infection or disease.
Regimens
For persons suspected of having LTBI, treatment of LTBI should not
begin until active TB disease has been excluded. Persons suspected
of having TB disease should receive the recommended multidrug regimen
for treatment of disease until the diagnosis is confirmed or ruled
out.
Although regimens are broadly applicable, there are modifications
that should be considered under special circumstances (i.e., HIV
infection, suspected drug resistance, pregnancy, or treatment of
children). Listed in the table are the regimens; please refer to
Targeted Tuberculin Testing and Treatment of Latent TB Infection1
for detailed information for the treatment of LTBI.
Table: Drug Regimens for the Treatment of LTBI
Drugs |
Duration (months) |
Interval |
Minimum Doses |
Isoniazid |
9 |
Daily |
270 |
Twice Weekly |
76 |
Isoniazid |
6 |
Daily |
180 |
Twice Weekly |
52 |
Rifampin |
4 |
Daily |
120 |
Rifampin/Pyrazinamide |
Generally should not be offered for treatment
of LTBI2 |
Due to the reports of severe liver injury and deaths, CDC now recommends
that the combination of rifampin (RIF) and pyrazinamide (PZA) should
generally not be offered for the treatment of LTBI. If the
potential benefits significantly outweigh the demonstrated risk
of severe liver injury and death associated with this regimen and
the patient has no contraindications, a TB/LTBI expert should be
consulted prior to the use of this regimen.2 (Clinicians
should continue the appropriate use of RIF and PZA in multidrug
regimens for the treatment of active TB disease.4)
Monitoring
Isoniazid or Rifampin Alone
Routine laboratory monitoring during treatment of LTBI is indicated
only for those whose baseline tests suggest a liver disorder and
for other persons with a risk of hepatic disease. Laboratory testing
should be performed to evaluate possible adverse reactions that
occur during the treatment regimen.
Rifampin/Pyrazinamide or Rifabutin/Pyrazinamide
A TB/LTBI expert should be consulted prior to the use of this
regimen.
CDC is collecting reports of severe liver injury (i.e., leading
to hospital admission or death) in persons receiving any
treatment regimen for LTBI. Report possible cases to the Division
of Tuberculosis Elimination at (404) 639-8401.
Additional Information
1. ATS/CDC. Targeted tuberculin testing and treatment of latent
TB infection. MMWR 2000;49(No. RR- 6). http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr4906a1.htm
2. CDC. Update: Adverse Event Data and Revised American Thoracic
Society/CDC Recommendations Against the Use of
Rifampin and Pyrazinamide for Treatment of Latent Tuberculosis Infection.
MMWR 2003; 52 (No. 31).
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5231a4.htm
3. CDC. Update: Fatal and severe liver injuries associated with
rifampin and pyrazinamide for latent tuberculosis infection, and
revisions in American Thoracic Society/CDC recommendations - United
States, 2001. MMWR 2001;50 (No.34). http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5034a1.htm
4. ATS/CDC. Treatment of Tuberculosis. MMWR 2003;49 (No.
RR-11).
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5211a1.htm
|