3HP for Latent TB Infection Treatment Media Summary

Update of Recommendations for Use of Once-Weekly Isoniazid-Rifapentine Regimen to Treat Latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection

Treatment of latent TB infection (LTBI) is essential to controlling and eliminating TB in the United States. In 2011, CDC recommended a short-course combination regimen of once-weekly isoniazid and rifapentine for 12 weeks (3HP) by directly observed therapy – a strategy in which a health care worker watches the TB patient take each dose of the prescribed drugs for treatment of LTBI. This update expands the previous recommendation to include: 1) use of 3HP in children 2-11 years old; 2) use of 3HP in persons co-infected with HIV/AIDS and LTBI; and 3) use of 3HP by self-administration. Currently, 3HP is the shortest of several available regimens recommended for treating LTBI and CDC encourages the use of short-course treatment regimens, like 3HP, to improve completion of treatment. The 3HP regimen has the potential to remove existing barriers to latent TB treatment for both patients and providers by offering practical advantages such as a shorter timeframe, and the option for some individuals to self-administer medications.

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICESExternal