A review of rifapentine for treating active and latent tuberculosis

Background: Nearly 1/3 of the world’s population is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Simple, effective treatment regimens could improve global tubercolosis (TB) treatment and prevention. We review the literature on the use of isoniazid and rifapentine for the treatment of TB infection. Methods: We performed a literature search with the terms ‘rifapentine’ and ‘tuberculosis’ and ‘treatment.’ Results: We identified and summarized the data for five randomized controlled trials for latent TB infection (LTBI) and seven randomized controlled trials for use in active pulmonary TB. Conclusion: Isoniazid and rifapentine given once weekly for 12 weeks is an effective, well-tolerated short course regimen for latent tuberculosis. It is also an effective combination in the continuation phase of active TB treatment in HIV-negative individuals without cavitary disease.