Tuberculosis preventive treatment, or TPT, is given to stop TB from developing in people who have been infected with the TB bacteria but do not yet have active disease. This is important because TB can stay “silent” in the body for months or years before causing illness. Preventive treatment is a safe way to reduce the risk of becoming sick with TB and spreading it to others.
Hope Plus can connect you quickly with licensed healthcare providers who can assess your TB risk and start preventive treatment if needed. A consultation through Hope Plus ensures you get professional advice and guidance in minutes. You can access this service here: https://hope.co.ug/plus/.
Key Takeaways
- TPT is for people with latent TB infection (LTBI) who are at higher risk of developing active TB.
- TPT is not used for people with active TB or contacts of drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB).
- Early assessment and exclusion of active TB are important before starting TPT.
- People living with HIV and children or adults who have been in close contact with TB patients benefit most from TPT.
- Preventive treatment is safe when given under healthcare supervision, with proper dosing and follow-up.
Who Should Receive TB Preventive Treatment
Healthcare providers recommend TPT for:
- People living with HIV
- Children and adults who have been in close contact with someone with pulmonary TB
TPT is not given to people who have active TB or those who were in contact with someone with drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB).
Stepwise Approach to TB Preventive Treatment
Before starting TPT, healthcare providers will:
- Check for active TB symptoms
- Adults: persistent cough, fever, weight loss, night sweats
- Children: cough, fever, poor weight gain
- Conduct clinical evaluation if any symptoms are present
- This ensures that active TB is not missed, as TPT is not safe for active disease.
- Assess for contraindications
- If no TB symptoms are present, the provider will review your health history to check if TPT is safe for you.
- Start TPT with the correct dose
- Healthcare providers follow a dosing chart based on age and weight.
- HIV-positive children under 1 year only receive TPT if they have had contact with a TB patient and active TB has been ruled out.
Safety and Monitoring
- TPT is safe when taken under medical supervision.
- Regular follow-ups help ensure the medicine is taken correctly and any side effects are monitored.
- Completing the full course of TPT is essential to protect against TB.
FAQ: Common Questions About TB Preventive Treatment
1. What is TB preventive treatment (TPT)?
TPT is medicine given to people who have TB bacteria in their body but do not yet show symptoms, to prevent TB from developing.
2. Who should get TPT?
People living with HIV and children or adults who have been in close contact with someone with pulmonary TB are the main groups recommended for TPT.
3. Can someone with active TB take TPT?
No. TPT is only for people without active TB. Active TB must be treated with a full TB treatment plan.
4. Can TPT be given to contacts of drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB)?
No. TPT is not used for people exposed to MDR-TB because standard preventive medicines are not effective.
5. How is active TB excluded before starting TPT?
Healthcare providers check for symptoms such as cough, fever, weight loss, and night sweats, and perform clinical evaluation if needed.
6. Is TPT safe for young children with HIV?
Yes, but HIV-positive children under 1 year receive TPT only if they have been in contact with a TB patient and active TB has been excluded.
7. Why is completing the full TPT course important?
Finishing the full course ensures the TB bacteria are fully eliminated, reducing the risk of developing active TB in the future.
