MMWR: Notice to Readers: Use of Short-Course Tuberculosis Preventive Therapy Regimens in HIV-Seronegative Persons

This report in the form of a notice to readers states that CDC in conjunction with the American Thoracic Society expects to issue new guidelines on screening and preventive therapy for TB that will include a recommendation on the use of the two-month regimen of daily rifampin and pyrazinamide (2RZ) as an alternative to 12-month isoniazid for prevention of TB in HIV-negative persons for whom preventive therapy is indicated. A comparative trial of the 2RZ regimen in HIV-negative persons has not been conducted. However, until the new guidelines are issued the regimen for HIV-positive persons can be used for HIV-negative persons, following the same guidelines as for HIV-positive persons.