What is Chemoprophylaxis of tuberculosis?

Chemoprophylaxis of tuberculosis refers to the preventive use of medications to reduce the risk of developing active tuberculosis (TB) disease in individuals who have been exposed to someone with TB or have certain risk factors for developing TB.

It involves taking specific antibiotics, usually isoniazid (INH), for a period of time to kill or prevent the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria that may be present in the body. By preventing the progression of latent TB infection (LTBI) to active TB disease, chemoprophylaxis aims to reduce the overall burden of TB and prevent further transmission of the bacteria.

Chemoprophylaxis is typically recommended for individuals who have had close contact with someone diagnosed with active TB disease, such as family members or healthcare workers. It may also be recommended for individuals with certain medical conditions or risk factors that increase their susceptibility to developing TB, such as:

- HIV infection

- Diabetes

- Kidney disease

- Cancer

- Organ transplant recipients

- Pregnant women who have been exposed to TB

When prescribed, the duration and specific regimen of chemoprophylaxis depend on various factors, including the individual's medical history, potential drug interactions, and TB prevalence in the community. Regular monitoring and follow-up are important during chemoprophylaxis to ensure adherence to the medication regimen, manage side effects, and assess for any signs of active TB disease.

By employing chemoprophylaxis, healthcare providers can actively reduce the risk of TB in high-risk individuals and contribute to the prevention and control of tuberculosis at the community level.