A 25-year-old woman is diagnosed with smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis. She is started on Category I DOTS therapy under the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP)/National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP). Which of the following correctly describes the intensive phase of her treatment?

• A 2 months of Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Streptomycin (2HRS)
• B 2 months of Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Pyrazinamide, Ethambutol (2HRZE) ✓
• C 4 months of Isoniazid and Rifampicin (4HR)
• D 6 months of Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Pyrazinamide (6HRZ)

Explanation

Under NTEP, the standard first-line treatment for new TB cases (previously Category I) consists of an intensive phase of 2 months with four drugs: Isoniazid (H), Rifampicin (R), Pyrazinamide (Z), and Ethambutol (E) — written as 2HRZE. This is followed by a continuation phase of 4 months with Isoniazid and Rifampicin (4HR). All drugs are given as fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) daily under direct observation.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

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