Treatment
Previously treated patients
People who have previously received 1 month or more of anti-tuberculosis drugs. Previously treated people may have been treated with a first-line regimen for drug-susceptible tuberculosis or a second-line regimen for drug-resistant forms.
Retreatment case
Person previously treated for tuberculosis, who has received one month or more of anti-tuberculosis drugs in the past. The current preferred term is ‘previously treated patient’.
Individualized treatment
Regimen designed based on the patient’s previous history of anti-tuberculosis treatment, individual characteristics and/or DST results.
Initial (intensive) phase of treatment
First period of tuberculosis treatment during which a combination of drugs is given to kill as many of the M. tuberculosis organisms as possible, as quickly as possible. In the 6-month regimen for drug susceptible TB, this period usually lasts 2 months.
First-line drug
Drugs used as the first resort to treat a disease. In the case of tuberculosis, the following four drugs are usually chosen: isoniazid (H), rifampicin (R), ethambutol (E), pyrazinamide (Z).
Fixed-dose combination (FDC)
Two or more drugs combined in one pill or capsule in specific dosages. This is the WHO-recommended strategy for anti-tuberculosis treatment regimens.
Health facility-based directly observed therapy (DOT)
DOT delivered at a health centre, clinic, or hospital.
Emprirical treatment
Treatment guided by observation and experience. In the tuberculosis context, it means providing treatment before (or without) confirming whether the disease is due to M. tuberculosis.
Death (treatment outcome)
Death for any reason while on TB treatment.
Directly observed therapy (DOT)
Person observing a tuberculosis patient taking medications in real time (face to face or remotely through digital means).
