Under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), which of the following criteria defines a 'treatment failure' in a drug-sensitive TB patient on first-line DOTS?

• A Sputum smear positive at end of the intensive phase (month 2)
• B Sputum smear or culture positive at month 5 or later during treatment ✓
• C Weight loss of more than 5 kg during the continuation phase
• D Development of adverse drug reactions requiring temporary treatment interruption

Explanation

Under NTEP (aligned with WHO 2013 revised definitions), treatment failure in a pulmonary TB patient is defined as remaining sputum smear- or culture-positive at month 5 or later during treatment. Positivity at month 2 may indicate slow response and triggers enhanced monitoring but alone does not define failure. Treatment interruption due to adverse effects is managed differently.

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.