Question

What is the treatment protocol for active TB? Under what specific circumstances would isolation be imposed? What would you consider to be the 'pros' and 'cons' of imposed isolation for active TB?

Answer 1

1)Drug therapy. For initial empiric treatment of TB, start patients on a 4-drug regimen: isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide, and either ethambutol or streptomycin. Once the TB isolate is known to be fully susceptible, ethambutol (or streptomycin, if it is used as a fourth drug) can be discontinued.

2)Isolation order

• When a health officer is determining whether to issue an isolation order for a person, the health officer shall consider, but is not limited to, the following factors:
  • 1) Whether the person has active tuberculosis;
  • 2) If the person is violating the rules promulgated by the board of health or the orders issued by the appropriate health officer to comply with rules or orders; and
  • 3) Whether the person presents a substantial risk of exposing other persons to an imminent danger of infection.\

3)Pros and Cons

• Stopping other people to get infected and exposing the patient is also not good.
• It psychologically affects the mind of isolated patients.