Under the Revised National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP), what is the recommended duration of anti-TB therapy for a newly diagnosed case of drug-susceptible pulmonary tuberculosis?

Question

Accepted Answer

D. 2 months intensive phase + 4 months continuation phase. ## Standard NTEP Regimen for Drug-Susceptible TB

**Key Point:** The NTEP (formerly RNTCP) recommends a 6-month treatment regimen for newly diagnosed drug-susceptible pulmonary tuberculosis, divided into two phases:

### Treatment Duration Breakdown

| Phase | Duration | Drugs | Frequency |
|-------|----------|-------|----------|
| **Intensive Phase** | 2 months | HRZE (Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Pyrazinamide, Ethambutol) | Daily |
| **Continuation Phase** | 4 months | HR (Isoniazid, Rifampicin) | Daily or thrice weekly |

**High-Yield:** This 2-4 regimen (2 months HRZE + 4 months HR) is the backbone of TB control in India and is WHO-recommended for drug-susceptible TB.

### Clinical Pearl
- The intensive phase targets rapid bacterial clearance and reduces infectivity within 2 weeks of therapy initiation.
- The continuation phase consolidates cure and prevents relapse.
- Total treatment duration of 6 months achieves cure rates >95% in drug-susceptible TB.

**Mnemonic:** **2-4-6 Rule** — 2 months intensive, 4 months continuation, 6 months total.

[cite:Park 26e Ch 7]

Answer

A. 1 month intensive phase + 5 months continuation phase

Answer

B. 4 months intensive phase + 2 months continuation phase

Answer

C. 3 months intensive phase + 3 months continuation phase

Under the Revised National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP), what is the recommended duration of anti-TB therapy for a newly diagnosed case of drug-susceptible pulmonary tuberculosis?

Explanation

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