## Identifying the Incorrect Statement **Key Point:** The standard NTEP regimen for drug-susceptible TB is a **6-month course** with a **2-month intensive phase** (HRZE) followed by a **4-month continuation phase** (HR), NOT 4 months intensive + 2 months continuation. ### NTEP Treatment Regimens | Regimen Phase | Duration | Drugs | Frequency | |---|---|---|---| | **Intensive Phase** | 2 months | HRZE (Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Pyrazinamide, Ethambutol) | Daily | | **Continuation Phase** | 4 months | HR (Isoniazid, Rifampicin) | Daily | | **Total Duration** | 6 months | — | — | **High-Yield:** The mnemonic **"2-4 rule"** helps: 2 months intensive + 4 months continuation = 6 months total. The option reverses this to 4+2, which is incorrect. ### Other Correct Statements Verified - **TB Elimination by 2025:** NTEP's National Strategic Plan (2017–2025) explicitly targets TB elimination in India by 2025 — this is correct. - **Private Sector via NIKSHAY:** All TB cases, including those diagnosed in private facilities, must be notified and registered in the NIKSHAY portal under the Mandatory TB Notification rule (2012, amended 2019) — this is correct. - **Standard 6-Month Regimen:** The HRZE/HR regimen is the WHO-endorsed and NTEP-recommended standard for new drug-susceptible TB cases — this is correct. **Clinical Pearl:** Incorrect dosing or phase duration is a common source of treatment failure and drug resistance; NTEP emphasizes adherence to the exact 2-4 split to ensure adequate bactericidal and sterilizing activity.
Sign up free to access AI-powered MCQ practice with detailed explanations and adaptive learning.