Chemotherapy
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Tuberculosis (TB) has remained the 5th leading cause of death in Thailand for several years. There has been a slight change in the total number of TB cases notified since 1985 when the first case of HIV infection was reported. Although there is an increase in the incidence of TB in HIV-infected cases, the percentage of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in this group is the same as in the HIV-negative group (2.7%). ⋯ A prospective study showed a success rate of 67% with no adverse effects. The current Bangkok multicenter trials on ofloxacin 600 mg daily combined with pyrazinamide, p-aminosalicylate, amikacin and ethambutol are ongoing. Good organization of ambulatory TB management combined with directly observed therapy will probably help to reduce the incidence of MDR-TB.