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Background and Aims: The host immune system plays an important role in the pathogenesis and defense mechanism of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). This study aimed to explore the different changes in the immune system between smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and smear-positive PTB patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 85 active PTB patients and 50 healthy adults were enrolled. The participants were divided into smear-negative PTB, smear-positive PTB, and control groups. Chest computed tomography (CT) and lymphocyte subgroup counts in peripheral blood were measured in all participants. Results: There were higher numbers of CD4 + T-cells, NK cells, and pulmonary cavities in the smear-positive PTB group, whereas the numbers of B-ells were significantly increased in the smear-negative PTB group. Conclusions: Smear-negative PTB showed fewer pulmonary cavities, mild inflammatory response, lower numbers of immune cells, and higher numbers of B- cells.
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@#Abstract: Objective To analyze the effect of adjuvant to levofloxacin in the treatment of retreatment smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis, as well as its effect on respiratory function, immune function and inflammatory factors. Methods One hundred cases of retreatment smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients admitted to Rudong County People's Hospital in Nantong city in Jiangsu province from 2017 to 2021 were randomly divided into a control group (n=50) and an observation group (n=50) according to random number table method. Both groups received conventional treatment (3 months of isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, pyrazinamide / 6 months of isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol), with levofloxacin added to the control group, and thymopentin added to the observation group for the first three months in addition to routine treatment. The treatment effect of the two groups were compared. Results The sputum smear conversion rate of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group after 3 months and 5 months of treatment (χ2=7.142, P<0.05; χ2=6.250, P<0.05). The cavity absorption time and lesion absorption time in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (t=4.006, P<0.05; t=5.165, P<0.05). The turning time of bacteriological culture in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group (t=4.220,P<0.05). After 3 months of treatment, CD4+, CD3+, CD4+/CD8+ of the observation group were higher than those of the control group, the differences were statistically significant (t=8.885, P<0.05; t=6.274, P<0.05; t=4.357, P<0.05). After 3 months of treatment, the IFN-γ (interferon-γ) of the observation group was higher than that of the control group (t=8.892, P<0.05), whereas the , IL-10 (interleukin-10) was significantly lower than that in the control group (t=5.986, P<0.05). After 3 months of treatment, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (forced expiratory volume in one second, FEV 1) and the one-second rate (forced expiratory volume in one second / forced vital capacity, FEV1/FVC) in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (t=11.223, P<0.05; t=10.128, P<0.05; t=4.464, P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (χ2=0.378, P>0.05). Conclusions Thymopentin combined with levofloxacin had a significant application effect in the treatment of retreatment smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis, s, which led to improved inflammatory reaction, respiratory function and immune function. Additionally, it can increase sputum smear conversion rate and accelerate patient recovery, improving overall treatment efficacy, with a relatively high clinical application value.
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@#Objective To analyze the treatment outcome and related influencing factors of Tibet- an nationality new smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Qinghai Province，so as to provide evidence for tuberculosis control and treatment among Tibetan population． Methods Statistical analysis was conducted on 5 564 Tibetan nationality new smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis cases in Qinghai province who were reported in the China Tuberculosis Information Management System and approved to receive treatment from 2008 to 2017． The main influencing factors were detected by unconditional Logistic regression model analysis，dependent variable was successful treatment or not，independent variables were other factors related to the treatment outcome． Ｒesults The treatment success rate of Tibetan nationality new smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis cases was 87. 1% ( 4 848 /5 564) ，and the adverse outcome rate was 12. 9% ( 716 /5 564) ． Unconditional Logistic regression model analysis indicated that non-full- course supervision management，living in agricultural and pastoral area，having severe disease，floating population，and age older than 60 years were risk factors of adverse outcome． The odds ratio( OＲ) 95% confidence interval( CI) of the above risk factors were 13. 044( 10. 671-15. 944) ，2. 305( 1. 703-3. 119) ， 2. 090( 1. 346-3. 243) ，1. 967( 1. 443-2. 682) ，and 1. 909( 1. 410-2. 586) ． Clinical consultation，farmers and herdsmen were protective factors． The OＲ( 95% CI) were 0. 451( 0. 375-0. 543) ，and 0. 786( 0. 627- 0. 985) ． Conclusions Treatment success rate of Tibetan nationality new smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis cases was low． Therefore，the directly observed treatment short-course ( DOTS) strategy should be strictly implemented and the full-course supervision management should be strengthened to improve the treatment success rate． More attention should be paid to the elderly，severe，floating，agricultural and pastoral populations among the Tibetan population．
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Objective To explore the effect of drug injection under bronchoscopy on the retreatment of smear positive cavitary pulmonary tuberculosis. Methods From June 2016 to December 2017,164 cases of pul-monary tuberculosis with smear Yang cavity type were selected,which were divided into 2 groups according to the random digital table method,each groups has 82 cases.The control group received routine treatment,the observa-tion group underwent bronchoscopy with Kangfuxin Liquid combined with drug injection therapy.The clinical effect of the two groups,the changes of lung function before and after treatment and the improvement of clinical symp-toms were compared.Results The clinical curative effect of the treatment group was better than the control group, which difference was statistically significant(P < 0.05). FEV1,FEV1/FVC,PEF index in the observation group were better than the control group,which difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The complication rate of observation group was lower than the control group,which difference was statistically significant(P < 0.05). Conclusion Drug injection under bronchoscopy can significantly improve the clinical efficacy and lung function and promote clinical symptoms in patients with retreated smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis.It is worthy of popu-larization and application.
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Objective To analyze the spatial and temporal distribution of smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in Liangshan Yi autonomous prefecture in Sichuan province from 2011 to 2016. Methods The registration data of PTB in 618 townships of Liangshan from 2011 to 2016 were collected from"Tuberculosis Management Information System of National Disease Prevention and Control Information System". Software ArcGIS 10.2 was used to establish the geographic information database and realize the visualization of the analysis results. Software OpenGeoda 1.2.0 was used to conduct the analyses on global indication of spatial autocorrelation (GISA) and local indication of spatial autocorrelation (LISA). Software SaTScan 9.4.1 was used for spatio-temporal scanning analysis. Results From 2011 to 2016, the registration rate of smear positive PTB in Liangshan declined from 56.97/100000 (2666 cases) to 21.11/100000 (1038 cases). The global spatial autocorrelation coefficient Moran's I ranged from 0.25 to 0.45 and the difference was significant (all P=0.000). Local autocorrelation analysis showed that"high-high"area covered 43, 34, 37, 34, 42 and 61 townships from 2011 to 2016, respectively, mainly in Leibo county. Spatial temporal clustering analysis found one class Ⅰ clustering in the area around Bagu township of Meigu county and two class Ⅱ clustering in the areas around Liumin and Hekou township of Huili county, respectively (all P=0.000). Conclusion Obvious spatial temporal clustering of smear positive PTB distribution was found in Liangshan from 2011-2016. Hot spot areas with serious smear positive PTB epidemic and high spread risk were mainly found in northeastern Liangshan, including townships in Leibo and Meigu counties. Targeted TB prevention and control should be conducted in these areas.
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Objective To analyze the spatial and temporal distribution of smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in Liangshan Yi autonomous prefecture in Sichuan province from 2011 to 2016. Methods The registration data of PTB in 618 townships of Liangshan from 2011 to 2016 were collected from"Tuberculosis Management Information System of National Disease Prevention and Control Information System". Software ArcGIS 10.2 was used to establish the geographic information database and realize the visualization of the analysis results. Software OpenGeoda 1.2.0 was used to conduct the analyses on global indication of spatial autocorrelation (GISA) and local indication of spatial autocorrelation (LISA). Software SaTScan 9.4.1 was used for spatio-temporal scanning analysis. Results From 2011 to 2016, the registration rate of smear positive PTB in Liangshan declined from 56.97/100000 (2666 cases) to 21.11/100000 (1038 cases). The global spatial autocorrelation coefficient Moran's I ranged from 0.25 to 0.45 and the difference was significant (all P=0.000). Local autocorrelation analysis showed that"high-high"area covered 43, 34, 37, 34, 42 and 61 townships from 2011 to 2016, respectively, mainly in Leibo county. Spatial temporal clustering analysis found one class Ⅰ clustering in the area around Bagu township of Meigu county and two class Ⅱ clustering in the areas around Liumin and Hekou township of Huili county, respectively (all P=0.000). Conclusion Obvious spatial temporal clustering of smear positive PTB distribution was found in Liangshan from 2011-2016. Hot spot areas with serious smear positive PTB epidemic and high spread risk were mainly found in northeastern Liangshan, including townships in Leibo and Meigu counties. Targeted TB prevention and control should be conducted in these areas.
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Objective To investigate the interaction between rifampin(RFP)and levofloxacin(LVFX)in retreatment of smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis(TB). Methods One hundred retreated smear positive TB patients admitted to our hospital between January 2013 and December 2015 were randomly divided into two groups:the control group in 50 patients with only RFP treatment,and the treatment group in 50 patients with both RFP and LVFX treatments. The RFP plasma concentration was tested 0.5 h,1 h,and 2 h after intake of medicine. Sputum smear test was performed at the end of February,May,August and September to investigate the interaction between RFP and LVFX in retreatment of smear positive TB. Results The plasma concentration of RFP did not show significant difference(P > 0.05)between the control group and the treatment group at 0.5 h,1 h,and 2 h after intake of medicine. As the treatment time went on,the level of smear positive gradually decreased. The sputum smear positive rate after 2,5,8,and 9 months of treatment showed significant difference between the control group and the treatment group. After 8 months of treatment,the ratio of stabilized patients and patients under treatment also showed significant difference(P<0.05). Conclusion Rifampicin and levofloxacin have no antagonism effect in retreatment of smear positive TB,and RFP and LVFX can be used together to treat the repeated smear positive TB.
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Background: Aims and objectives of current study were to study the clinical, biochemical and hematological profiles in smear positive malaria patients and its correlation to immediate outcome of patient. To analyze the biochemical and hematological imbalances and its correlation with clinical presentation and type of malarial parasites. To elucidate the correlation of hematological and biochemical changes in children infected with malaria and their impact on immediate outcome of patients. Methods: All patients admitted with a diagnosis of malaria in department of Pediatrics at Dhiraj Hospital, Piparia, Vadodara, during the study period of January 2013 to June 2014. Sample size was 106 cases. Inclusion criteria for the study was all children under 18 years of age with smear positive malaria cases diagnosed. The study was done after obtaining a detailed history, complete general physical examination and systemic examination. The patients were subjected to relevant investigations. The data regarding patient particulars, diagnosis and investigations is collected in a specially designed case recording form and transferred to a master chart subjected to statistical methods like mean, standard deviation, proportion, percentage calculation and wherever necessary chi square test for proportion are used. Results: Total 106 patients were enrolled in study. Complications of PF (N=31): Jaundice 16%, severe anemia 23%, thrombocytopenia 29%, leukopenia in 23%, hyponatremia in 29.1%, cerebral malaria in 16% and hyperkalemia in 17%. Complications of PV (N=65): Jaundice 20%, severe anemia 20%, thrombocytopenia 18%, leukopenia in 11%, hyponatremia in 44.6%, hyperkalemia in 9%, cerebral malaria in 12.3% and hypoglycemia in 3.77%. Conclusions: The incidence of malaria is higher in males than females. Thrombocytopenia is very common in malaria, but spontaneous bleeding is not so common finding in malaria. Mixed infections behave like falciparum malaria. P. vivax malaria though traditionally considered to be a benign entity can also have a severe and complicated course, which is usually associated with P. falciparum malaria.
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Background & objectives: There has been limited investigation on the prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) in tribal communities in India, a vulnerable section of Indian society. The lack of a population-based estimate prompted us to conduct a meta-analysis of existing studies to provide a single, population-based estimate of the TB prevalence for tribals. Methods: Literature search was conducted in PubMed using the keywords - “tuberculosis”, “tribals”, “India”, “prevalence”, and “survey”. References cited in the articles retrieved were also reviewed, and those found relevant were selected. TB prevalence rates estimated by the studies were used for our calculation of a pooled-estimate. Results: The pooled estimate, based on the random effects model, was 703 per 100,000 population with a 95 % CI of 386-1011. The associated heterogeneity measures in terms of Cochran’s Q was significant (p=0.08 <0.1) and I2 was moderate at 48 per cent. Interpretation & conclusions: The meta-analysis demonstrated a large variability in pulmonary TB prevalence estimates among the different studies with poor representation of the various tribal groups. The moderate level of heterogeneity found across the studies suggests that the pooled-estimate needs to be treated with caution. Our findings also highlight the need to assess the pulmonary TB burden in India.
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OBJECTIVE@#To assess the prevalence and risk factors of smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis among Gondar town prisoners, North West Ethiopia.@*METHODS@#A cross sectional study was conducted from February to July, 2008 in Gondar Prison. Prisoners with cough duration of more than two weeks were involved in the study by giving three sputum samples and filling the questionnaires prepared for risk factor assessment. Acid fast staining technique was employed to detect the presence of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacilli in the sputum samples. Data was analyzed using SPSS version13 computer software and presented in table. Chi-square test was used to assess associations and a P-value less than 0.05 was taken as significant.@*RESULTS@#A total of 384 prisoners, 349 male and 35 females, with a mean age of 33.3 years were involved in the study. The prevalence of smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis among those prisoners with cough duration of more than two weeks was 8.59%. Only the length of imprisonment had a significant association (χ (2)= 18.82, P-value<0.0001) with the prevalence of tuberculosis.@*CONCLUSIONS@#This study indicated that tuberculosis among prisoners with cough duration of more than two weeks in Gondar prison is very high. Therefore Periodic screening of the prisoners and screening of newly introduced prisoners should be practiced so as to minimize the burden of tuberculosis in prisoners.
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Objective:To assess the prevalence and risk factors of smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis amongGondar town prisoners,NorthWestEthiopia.Methods:A cross sectional study was conducted fromFebruary toJuly,2008 inGondarPrison.Prisoners with cough duration of more than two weeks were involved in the study by giving three sputum samples and filling the questionnaires prepared for risk factor assessment.Acid fast staining technique was employed to detect the presence of theMycobacterium tuberculosis bacilli in the sputum samples.Data was analyzed usingSPSS version13 computer software and presented in table.Chi-square test was used to assess associations and aP-value less than0.05 was taken as significant.Results:A total of384 prisoners,349 male and35 females, with a mean age of33.3 years were involved in the study.The prevalence of smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis among those prisoners with cough duration of more than two weeks was8.59%.Only the length of imprisonment had a significant association(χ2=18.82,P-value<0.0001) with the prevalence of tuberculosis. Conclusions:This study indicated that tuberculosis among prisoners with cough duration of more than two weeks inGondar prison is very high.ThereforePeriodic screening of the prisoners and screening of newly introduced prisoners should be practiced so as to minimize the burden of tuberculosis in prisoners.
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Objective Investigate the clinical efficacy of treating retreated smear-positive tuberculosis patients with conventional anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy combined with levofloxacin. Methods Divide 60 retreated smear-positive tuberculosis patients registered in our hospital between October 2012 and October 2014 into two groups using random number table method: levofloxacin group and conventional treatment group. Each group contains 30 patients that were treated for 9 months , and the efficacy the both treatment methods were compared. Results The sputum conversion rate in the levofloxacin group is 93.33% and 96.67% after treating for 6 months and 9 months , respectively; which are substantial higher than that of the conventional treatment group with sputum conversion rate of 70% and 73.33% after 6 months and 9 months of treatment , respectively (P < 0.05). The absorption rate of the levofloxacin group is significantly higher than that of the conventional treatment group (P < 0.05). The cavity improvement rate of the levofloxacin group is 73.33%, which is significantly higher than that of the conventional treatment group (33.33%) (P < 0.05). The clinical efficacy of the LVFX group is substantially higher than the routine treatment group (P < 0.05). The overall effectiveness of LVFX group reached 100% , which is significantly higher than that of the conventional treatment group (86.67%) (P < 0.05). Conclusions Levofloxacin combined with conventional anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy can effectively improve the clinical efficacy in the treatment of tuberculosis.
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Objective: To assess the prevalence and risk factors of smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis among Gondar town prisoners, North West Ethiopia. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted from February to July, 2008 in Gondar Prison. Prisoners with cough duration of more than two weeks were involved in the study by giving three sputum samples and filling the questionnaires prepared for risk factor assessment. Acid fast staining technique was employed to detect the presence of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacilli in the sputum samples. Data was analyzed using SPSS version13 computer software and presented in table. Chi-square test was used to assess associations and a P-value less than 0.05 was taken as significant. Results: A total of 384 prisoners, 349 male and 35 females, with a mean age of 33.3 years were involved in the study. The prevalence of smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis among those prisoners with cough duration of more than two weeks was 8.59%. Only the length of imprisonment had a significant association (χ 2= 18.82, P-value<0.0001) with the prevalence of tuberculosis. Conclusions: This study indicated that tuberculosis among prisoners with cough duration of more than two weeks in Gondar prison is very high. Therefore Periodic screening of the prisoners and screening of newly introduced prisoners should be practiced so as to minimize the burden of tuberculosis in prisoners.
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Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the chest radiographic patterns of smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients in relation to HIV co-infection. Study Deign: Cross-sectional descriptive study Place and Duration of the Study: The study was conducted at Gondar University hospital between May 2004–December 2007. Methodology: We studied chest radiographs of 207 (128 HIV negative and 79 HIV positive) consecutive sputum smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients according to the standard classification. Mean and percentages/ proportions were used for descriptive analysis. Chi square test was used to measure association. Results: The prevalence of HIV in patients with smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis was 38.2%. The most common chest radiographic patterns were fibronodular (83.1%), cavity (60.4%), lobar consolidation (49.8%), and brochopnemonic consolidation (9.2%). Lymphadenopthy and pleural effusion were more common in HIV co infected patients (p<0.01). Cavities, upper lobe disease and increased mean number of lung lobes involved were more prominent in HIV negative patients (P<0.05). Despite a higher rate of patients with far advanced CXR patterns in HIV negative TBC patients compared to HIV positive (p<0.026), there was no significant difference in the radiographic, sputum smear conversion or clinical response in terms of increased body mass index after 8 weeks of anti TBC treatment between HIV negative and HIV positive patients. Conclusion: Post primary pulmonary tuberculosis was the commonest chest radiographic pattern at presentation in both HIV positive and HIV negative patients, but atypical chest radiographic presentations were associated with co-infection. It was more common for HIV negative tuberculosis patients to have a radiologically far advanced pattern which did not correspond to the clinical and radiological response. This may prompt a need for revision of the current radiological classification.
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Background: Knowledge on utilization pattern of RNTCP shall provide important inputs towards its strengthening in rural areas. Aims: To find out the utilization of RNTCP services by age, sex and distance from residence to designated microscopy centres and treating health centres. Methods: The study was carried out in Sandur TU of Bellary District, Karnataka. Information on age, sex and residence of persons with pulmonary symptoms and detected new sputum smear positive cases during third quarter 2003 to second quarter 2004; and their treatment outcome was obtained from the respective RNTCP records. Age and sex distribution of out-patients was collected from OPD registers of one randomly selected DMC and its PHCs. Results: A lesser number of males accessed the health care services. However, larger number of males with pulmonary symptoms and new sputum smear positive cases utilized RNTCP services than females in the ratio of 1.6:1 and 2.5:1 respectively. This was due to higher prevalence of persons with pulmonary symptoms and sputum positivity rate among males. Sputum positivity rates were also lower among the elderly. Male symptomatics and cases were on an average older than females. About 70% symptomatics and 53% cases resided at more than four kilometers from the respective DMCs and treating health centres. Treatment outcome was poorer among males with higher proportion of initial defaulters and among those residing at more than 20 kms. Conclusion: There is need to make health services available to the male working population at convenient hours and to be more vigilant to screen persons with pulmonary symptoms among the elderly. Collection of sputum specimen from eligible persons may be undertaken at PHCs which may later be transported to DMC. Supervision and motivation of treatment for male TB cases and those residing more than 20 kms from the treating health centres requires to be strengthened.
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<b><big>Introduction</big></b><br>As for the available healthcare services, there is a big gap not only between developed and developing countries but also those are not equally available even in a single country. In order to cope with geographical gaps of healthcare services in the Republic of Yemen, the improvement of accessibility to healthcare services is placed as priority of the 5-year plan of health development. However, analysis of health information in developing countries may not be easy because of the weak health statistics mechanism. The data from national TB control program may be considered as a possible way to analyze the geographical gaps and improve the tuberculosis case finding in developing countries.<br><b><big>Methods</big></b><br>The case detection rate of new smear positive tuberculosis patients in districts was calculated by using data from the latest population census in the Republic of Yemen. The calculated case detection rate was statistically analyzed with the factors such as availability of microscopy centre, population and the distance from provincial capital.<br><b><big>Results</big></b><br>The case detection rate of new smear positive tuberculosis patient is significantly different in the districts that have microscopy centre or more than 42,322 populations. The availability of the microscopy centre may be considered as the significant factor for achieving better case finding of new smear positive tuberculosis patients in the districts. Population of the districts where new smear positive tuberculosis patients found has been calculated as 74.1% of the total population. This calculation almost matches the target of the population that may be covered by the public health services according to the 5-year health development plan of the Ministry of Public Health.<br><b><big>Conclusions</big></b><br>The statistically analyzed data may provide a possible way to improve the national TB control program.
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BACKGROUND: In Korea, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for M. tuberculosis has been used for the diagnosis of acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smear-negative tuberculosis in order to increase diagnostic sensitivity. However, there have been no data dealing with the clinical utility of PCR in AFB smear-positive patients to differentiate between M. tuberculosis and nontuberculous mycobacteria. METHOD: We retrospectively analyzed the PCR test results which have been performed in patients who had AFB smear-positive sputum but had ambiguous clinical manifestations of active tuberculosis. PCR test was done using AMPLICORa M. tuberculosis kit. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the PCR test were calculated based on culture and final clinical diagnosis result. RESULTS: Fifty-six consecutive patients (62 PCR tests) were included in the study. Active tuberculosis was diagnosed in 23 patients (41.0%), while 9 patients had NTM infection (16.0%). The sensitivity, specificity, positive- and negative-predictive value of PCR test were 88.8%, 86.8%, 76.1% and 94.3%, respectively, according to the culture result. In comparison, they were 91.3%, 100%, 100%, 94.3%, respectively, according to the final clinical diagnosis. All 15 patients with NTM isolates, including 6 patients who had other lung diseases but expectorated NTM isolate, were negative for PCR test. CONCLUSION: Even though tuberculosis is still prevalent in Korea, PCR test is useful to differentiate between M. tuberculosis and NTM in patients with AFB-smear positive sputum but with ambiguous clinical manifestations of active tuberculosis.
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Humanos , Diagnóstico , Coreia (Geográfico) , Pneumopatias , Mycobacterium tuberculosis , Micobactérias não Tuberculosas , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase , Estudos Retrospectivos , Escarro , TuberculoseRESUMO
BACKGROUND: This study aimed to estimate the clinical outcome and identify the characteristics of a group of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis who completed anti-tuberculosis therapy with the First-line drugs in spite of having positive smear results with negative sputum culture results over the previous six months. METHOD: A retrospective chart review of 21 patients who fulfilled the above criteria between 1995 and 1999 was performed. The laboratory data as well as the clinical data of the patient with positive smear results and negative culture results over a six months period were reviewed. RESULTS: The negative conversion of sputum culture results was achieved within 1.3±1.2 months and the negative conversion of the sputum smear results was accomplished during 9.5±3.3 months. Chest X-rays at 5 months following the institution of anti-tuberculosis therapy from all patients revealed improvements. Four out of 21 patients(19%) relapsed during the follow up, 15.2±13.4 months after administering anti-tuberculosis therapy for 13.3±3.1 months. Relapses were confirmed from between 3 months and 4 months after the treatment completion. Only one of the four relapses had no past history of anti-tuberculosis therapy and the others had prior treatment twice (p<0.01). The period of anti-tuberculosis treatment was extended to a mean of 4.6±2.6 months in 12 patients. However, prolongation of anti-tuberculosis therapy had no affect on the relapse rate (odds ratio, 95% CI 0.18, 2.15). CONCLUSION: Prolongation of therapy with the First-line drugs is not necessary for patients with persistently positive smear results over 6 months and negative culture results. A patient who has had prior anti-tuberculosis therapy more than twice should be paid the closest attention.