Under NTEP cohort analysis, a patient completes the full course of anti-tuberculosis treatment. For his outcome to be recorded as 'Cured' rather than 'Treatment completed', which additional documentation is mandatory?

• A Weight gain of at least 10 percent during treatment
• B Completion of directly observed therapy for every dose of the intensive phase
• C Culture conversion confirmed at two consecutive monthly intervals
• D Negative sputum status at the end of treatment documented, along with at least one previously recorded negative sputum examination ✓

Explanation

'Cure' requires microbiological proof: sputum negative at the end of treatment and on at least one earlier follow-up examination. 'Treatment completed' is assigned when the regimen finishes without evidence of failure but there is no record of sputum negativity at the end of treatment. Directly observed intake of every intensive-phase dose relates to DOT classification, not to the cure outcome, and culture conversion at two points is not part of the NTEP outcome definition.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 26th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.