Does DOTS work in populations with drug-resistant tuberculosis?

Journal
The Lancet
ISSN
0140-6736
Date Issued
2005
Author(s)
DeRiemer, Kathryn
García-García, Lourdes
Bobadilla-del-Valle, Miriam
Palacios-Martínez, Manuel
Martínez-Gamboa, Areli
Small, Peter M.
Sifuentes-Osornio, José
Type
Resource Types::text::journal::journal article
DOI
URL
Abstract
Background: Directly observed therapy (DOTS) is the main strategy for prevention and control of tuberculosis worldwide. However, its effect on tuberculosis transmission in populations with moderate rates of drug-resistant disease is not known. Methods: This population-based prospective study in southern Mexico between March, 1995, and February, 2000, was based on passive case finding and detection of acid-fast bacilli in sputum samples to diagnose pulmonary tuberculosis. We also used cultures, drug-susceptibility testing, bacterial genotyping, and monitoring of treatment outcomes. © The Lancet