Evidence Based Case Reports: Management of Latent Tuberculosis Infection: Choosing Between Isoniazid Monotherapy or Isoniazid + Rifampicin or Isoniazid + Rifapentine Therapy

Michelle Husin, I Kadek Suarca

Abstract: Patient with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) do not have symptoms and cannot spread tuberculosis bacteria infection, the bacteria remain in the body on latent condition. Children and adolescent who are exposed with adults with TB are in high risk to have LTBI. Treatment of LTBI in developing country is essential to control TB spread by reducing the risk that LTBI will progress into active TB infection. In 2012, CDC has established recommendations for LTBI treatment using isoniazid (INH), rifapentine (RPT), and/or rifampicin (RIF). Evidence exists for the efficacy and safety has established but evidence was sparse for the comparison and outcome of each treatment choice. Literature search was conducted in Cochrane, PubMed, and Highwire. Conclusion: treating children with LTBI with a well-tolerated shorter regimen might encourage more completion of therapy because of briefer time commitment. There is no significant difference in efficacy, adverse effect, and treatment compliance.

Keywords: latent tuberculosis infection, children, isoniazid, rifampicin, rifapentine