Under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP, formerly RNTCP), what is the standard recommended duration of anti-tubercular therapy for a case of skeletal tuberculosis (Pott's spine) without drug resistance?
- A 6 months
- B 9 months
- C 12 months ✓
- D 18 months
Correct answer: C. 12 months
Explanation
The NTEP/RNTCP guideline recommends 12 months of anti-TB therapy for skeletal tuberculosis including Pott's spine, using a 2(HRZE)3/10(HR)3 regimen. Pulmonary TB without complications is treated for 6 months. The longer duration in bone and joint TB is due to poor drug penetration into avascular bony lesions and the need to prevent relapse. Indian exam convention follows the NTEP standard of 12 months for skeletal TB.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.