[Short-term effect of treatment protocol utilizing levofloxacin, pasiniazide and M. Vaccae on multi- drug resistant pulmonary tuberculosis]

Abstract

Objective: To observe the effects of the protocol combining levofloxacin, pasiniazide, M. Vaccae (V+D+M protocol) in the treatment of multi-drug resistant pulmonary tuberculosis (MDR-TB).

Method: Ninety-seven cases of MDR-TB randomized into V+D+M treatment protocol group (n=50) and control group (n=47) were observed for the negative sputum conversion rate, focal absorption, pulmonary cavity closure and improvement of immune function, after a 6-month treatment course.

Results: After the completion of the treatment course, the negative sputum conversion rate in V+D+M treatment protocol group was 84%, significantly higher than that in the control group (42%); the former group showed a focal absorption rate and pulmonary cavity closure rate of 83% and 66%, which were 33% and 26% respectively in the latter. In V+D+M treatment protocol group, T lymphocyte subgroups CD(3) and CD(4) were significantly elevated while CD(8) decreased after treatment, resulting in increased CD(4) to CD(8) ratio. The incidence of adverse effects resulting from the different treatment protocols in the two groups were comparable (30% vs 38%).

Conclusion: V+D+M treatment protocol is effective for MDR-TB, which possesses the potential for application in clinical practice.