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M. kansasii — SCE Infectious Diseases MCQ

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HardTuberculosisM. kansasiiSCE Infectious Diseases

Two sputum cultures plus compatible cavitating upper-lobe disease confirm macrolide- and rifampicin-susceptible Mycobacterium kansasii pulmonary disease. Which treatment strategy is appropriate?

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Correct answer: ERifampicin, ethambutol and isoniazid or a macrolide for 12 months after culture conversion

The best answer is “Rifampicin, ethambutol and isoniazid or a macrolide for 12 months after culture conversion”. M. kansasii disease is treated with a rifampicin-based three-drug regimen and prolonged culture-defined duration; pyrazinamide lacks useful activity and monotherapy risks failure and resistance. NTM pulmonary disease requires compatible clinical-radiological disease and microbiological criteria, followed by species-directed multidrug therapy.

Reference: BTS guideline for non-tuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease: https://thorax.bmj.com/content/72/Suppl_2/ii1