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Latent tuberculosis infection — SCE Respiratory MCQ

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HardTB and NTMLatent tuberculosis infectionSCE Respiratory

A 42-year-old close contact of fully drug-sensitive pulmonary tuberculosis has latent infection after active disease is excluded. Liver tests are normal, hepatotoxicity is not a concern and there are no rifampicin interactions. Which preventive regimen is a NICE option?

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Correct answer: B — Isoniazid with pyridoxine plus rifampicin for three months

The best answer is “Isoniazid with pyridoxine plus rifampicin for three months”. NICE offers this three-month regimen for eligible latent drug-sensitive tuberculosis after active disease has been excluded. The isoniazid-only alternative is six months, not three. Four-drug therapy treats active disease, whereas rifampicin monotherapy is not the stated NICE preventive regimen. BCG or repeat IGRA does not eradicate latent infection.

Reference: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng33/chapter/Recommendations