Latent tuberculosis is treated with which drug?

Latent tuberculosis is treated with which drug?

• A. Rifampin
• B. Ethambutol
• C. Pyrazinamide
• D. Isoniazid

Answer: (D)

Latent TB infection aims to prevent progression to active disease by eliminating dormant bacilli. Isoniazid is used because it effectively targets these dormant Mycobacterium tuberculosis organisms over a prolonged course. It inhibits mycolic acid synthesis in the bacterial cell wall after activation by bacterial enzymes, which reduces the risk of reactivation when given for several months (commonly 6–9 months). Other drugs like ethambutol and pyrazinamide are mainly for active TB due to their toxicity profiles and limited activity against dormant bacilli, and rifampin can be used as an alternative in some latent regimens. So, isoniazid is the best choice for treating latent TB.

Latent TB infection aims to prevent progression to active disease by eliminating dormant bacilli. Isoniazid is used because it effectively targets these dormant Mycobacterium tuberculosis organisms over a prolonged course. It inhibits mycolic acid synthesis in the bacterial cell wall after activation by bacterial enzymes, which reduces the risk of reactivation when given for several months (commonly 6–9 months). Other drugs like ethambutol and pyrazinamide are mainly for active TB due to their toxicity profiles and limited activity against dormant bacilli, and rifampin can be used as an alternative in some latent regimens. So, isoniazid is the best choice for treating latent TB.