Under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), the treatment regimen for a newly diagnosed drug-sensitive pulmonary TB patient in 2024 is:
- A 2HRZE/4HR daily (all oral, weight-based dosing) ✓
- B 2HRZE/4HR thrice weekly (DOT only)
- C 2HRZES/4HR daily
- D 6HRZ daily
Correct answer: A. 2HRZE/4HR daily (all oral, weight-based dosing)
Explanation
Under the revised NTEP guidelines (post-2019), drug-sensitive TB is treated with 2 months of HRZE followed by 4 months of HR, all oral, daily, weight-based dosing — replacing the older thrice-weekly intermittent regimen. Streptomycin (S) is no longer part of the standard first-line regimen. The shift to daily dosing improves treatment outcomes and reduces the risk of acquired drug resistance.
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.