A Study of the Effectiveness and Tolerability of Weekly Rifapentine/Isoniazid for Three Months Versus Daily Isoniazid for Nine Months for the Treatment of Latent Tuberculosis Infection

Abstract

Lemp, Jessie M. A Study of the Effectiveness and Tolerability of Weekly Rifapentine/Isoniazid for Three Months Versus Daily Isoniazid for Nine Months for the Treatment of Latent Tuberculosis Infection. Master of Science, November, 2004, 107 pp., 4 tables, 4 figures, references, 29 titles. The standard treatment for latent tuberculosis infection, nine months of daily isoniazid, is effective at preventing active tuberculosis; however, its full benefits are limited by non-adherence. A shorter intermittent regimen of rifapentine plus isoniazid once weekly for three months is equally effective as the standard regimen in animal models. This regimen facilitates the use of directly observed therapy, a method that significantly improves adherence. The Center for Disease Control is sponsoring Study 26 to test the effectiveness and tolerability the three-month rifapentine based regimen in latently infected persons with risk factors for progression to active tuberculosis. This thesis will describe the background rationale and methods for the clinical trial, and the internship experience.