This innovative guide discusses the clinical and epidemiological aspects of tuberculosis in the context of the National Tuberculosis Programme (NTP) in 18 illustrated chapters. This book is a stand-alone reference for anyone involved in the treatment, control, and prevention of tuberculosis and is especially valuable for specialist physicians working in low-income countries.

This is the fourth module of a series of guides based on the material taught in the international TB courses. It deals with the interventions directed against the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex: treatment, prophylactic treatment, BCG vaccination and preventive chemotherapy, by assembling information on each available intervention and weighing the role of each in current practice.

This guide is intended for National Tuberculosis Control Programmes, national essential drug programmes or central medical stores and their partners. It is a much-needed tool to improve effective supplies of essential drugs in low- and middle-income countries. The major challenge for most countries today is not whether or not to launch a DOTS programme but how to urgently scale-up its coverage while improving quality and impact. Safe and efficient drug procurement is a prerequisite for any such expansion. Getting the procurement principles right is especially important for TB control. Mistakes in quantities, quality, and standardisation of regimens, timing and delivery, all could have dangerous repercussions for tuberculosis patients and for the communities within which they live.

Now in its 5th edition, this guide has been printed and distributed to more than 50 000 health care personnel working in tuberculosis worldwide since its first printing in 1978.
Contents: description of tuberculosis and its identification, treatment, organisation and management of tuberculosis services within limited socio-economic conditions, evaluation of tuberculosis, discussions on intervention methods in bringing the disease under control. The new edition addresses the resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to medications and its impact on the management of tuberculosis.

Published since 1969, the Technical guide for sputum examination for tuberculosis was revised by The Union’s Bacteriology and Immunology Section in 2000, and included as an Appendix to the “Orange Guide” (Management of Tuberculosis: a Guide for Low Income Countries). It is also available as a stand-alone publication.