NEW clinical practice guidelines for tuberculosis (TB) treatment have been released, reflecting recent clinical trial data. These updates, developed collaboratively by the American Thoracic Society, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, European Respiratory Society, and Infectious Diseases Society of America, recommend shorter, all-oral regimens for eligible patients.
The revised guidelines are applicable in settings where diagnostic tools such as mycobacterial cultures, molecular and phenotypic drug susceptibility tests, and radiographic studies are routinely available.
For drug-susceptible TB, the new recommendations include a 4-month regimen for adults with pulmonary TB and a similar shortened regimen for children with nonsevere TB. These regimens are expected to reduce treatment duration without compromising effectiveness.
Updates for drug-resistant TB focus on regimens containing bedaquiline, pretomanid, and linezolid, with moxifloxacin as an optional addition. These regimens have been developed to enhance treatment outcomes while streamlining the approach to care.
The Joint Panel responsible for these guidelines employed the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) methodology to ensure that the recommendations are evidence-based. Additionally, the GRADE-ADOLOPMENT process was used to adapt and refine these recommendations for broader applicability.
These updates emphasize the importance of providing effective and efficient treatment while reducing the burden on patients and healthcare providers. Healthcare professionals are encouraged to incorporate these guidelines into practice where diagnostic resources allow, ensuring that patients benefit from the latest advancements in TB care.
By addressing both drug-susceptible and drug-resistant TB with shorter and less invasive treatment options, the new guidelines aim to improve patient adherence and outcomes, reflecting a significant step forward in global TB management.
Reference: Saukkonen JJ et al. Updates on the Treatment of Drug-Susceptible and Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis: An Official ATS/CDC/ERS/IDSA Clinical Practice Guideline. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2025;221(1).
Anaya Malik | AMJ
