Antimycobacterial therapy

Tuberculosis is a major cause of illness and death worldwide. The epidemic of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and the increased number of other immunocompromised hosts have led to a remarkable increase in Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex infections. Adequate diagnostic, prevention, and treatment measures are available; however, resources for implementing these measures are limited. Processes for using these limited resources are not always well organized. This review of prevention and treatment of tuberculosis, including the six major recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, treatment of certain other mycobacterial infections, and information on some antimycobacterial agents, such as isoniazid, rifampin, rifabutine, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol, was written mainly for primary-care providers.