[International standards for tuberculosis management]

Abstract

International Standards for TB Care describe the international accepted levels of care for TB patients and suspects. The basic principles are the same worldwide: early correct diagnosis, standardized treatment insuring support and supervision, monitoring of the treatment results and highlighting all the public health responsibilities. The Standards provide the possibility to adhere to policies and practices necessary for an efficient control of the disease by all factors involved, including private or other areas. The Standards do not intend to replace local guidelines, but are focused on the relationship between individual care and the control based on community intervention. The article presents briefly the standards for diagnosis and treatment and the responsibilities of public health domain.