A 40-year-old woman is diagnosed with newly diagnosed drug-susceptible pulmonary tuberculosis and started on the daily regimen under NTEP. She weighs 45 kg and has no comorbidities. What is the total duration and composition of her regimen?

• A 2 months of HRZ followed by 4 months of HRE
• B 2 months of HRZE followed by 4 months of HR ✓
• C 6 months of HRZE throughout
• D 3 months of HRZE followed by 3 months of HR

Explanation

The NTEP daily regimen for new drug-susceptible TB consists of an intensive phase of isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide and ethambutol (HRZE) for 2 months, followed by a continuation phase of isoniazid and rifampicin (HR) for 4 months, giving 6 months total. Ethambutol is stopped in continuation phase because its role is limited to preventing resistance during the intensive phase when bacillary load is highest.

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

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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