In a subset of patients with the tt genotype of the TaqI vitamin D receptor and who are vitamin D deficient, vitamin D supplementation appears to hasten sputum culture conversion. There are no studies of vitamin D using the gold standard outcome of relapse, so the true benefit of vitamin D is not at present known.It was noted as early as the mid-19th century that cod liver oil (which is rich in vitamin D) improved patients with tuberculosis, and the mechanism for this is probably an enhancement of immune responses to tuberculosis.The addition of vitamin D appears to enhance the ability of monocytes and macrophages to kill M. tuberculosis in vitro as well as ameliorating potentially harmful effects of the human immune system. Another reason Vitamin D can be used as a treatment for mycobacterial infections like tuberculosis is because of pro-anti-inflammatory cytokines that are influenced by vitamin D. Vitamin D has a post-anti-inflammatory effect on tuberculosis. Other
arginine has some clinical evidence as an adjuvant. Mycobacterium vaccae has been completed in Phase III trials by Anhui Zhifei Longcom Biologic Pharmacy Co., Ltd., injectable Vaccae(TM) and Immunitor LLC., oral tablet Tubivac (V7). Latent tuberculosis
The treatment of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is essential to controlling and eliminating TB by reducing the risk that TB infection will progress to disease.
Citizens attending religious sermons were able to distribute information about tuberculosis and inform their communities on where to seek treatment and how to adhere to treatment protocols The DOTS-Plus strategy, designed to deliver from within familiar local institutions, was successful at conveying information about tuberculosis prevention and treatment. India
In 1906, India opened its first air sanatorium for treatment and isolation of TB patients.However, the World Health Organization reviewed the national program in India which lacked funding and treatment regimens that could report accurate tuberculosis case management. By 1945, there were successful immunization screenings due to campaigns that helped spread messages about the prevention of disease. This was also around the same time that the World Health Organization declared tuberculosis to be a global emergency and recommended countries adopt the DOTS strategy. Bangladesh, Cambodia, Thailand
In Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Indonesia, there is a diagnostic treatment for latent tuberculosis in children below 5 years of age. The IGRA approach (Interferon Gamma Release Assay) is used in these countries. IGRA testing and diagnosis are whole blood cell tests where fresh blood samples are mixed with antigens and controls. A person infected with tuberculosis will have interferon-gammas in the blood stream when mixed with the antigen. It is a highly accurate but expensive test and is technologically complex for immuno-compromised patients. These developing countries were unable to get rid of tuberculosis effectively because the national health policies did not cover screening and testing for tuberculosis. There were also no programs in place to educate citizens and provide training for healthcare workers.