Journal of Health and Medical Research

Tuberculosis may be a major explanation for illness and death worldwide. The epidemic of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and therefore the increased number of other immunocompromised hosts have led to an interesting increase in Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex infections. Adequate diagnostic, prevention, and treatment measures are available; however, resources for implementing these measures are limited. Processes for using these limited resources are not always well organized. This review of prevention and treatment of tuberculosis, including the six major recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, treatment of certain other mycobacterial infections, and information on some antimycobacterial agents, like isoniazid, rifampin, rifabutine, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol, was written mainly for primary-care providers.