Shortening treatment of tuberculosis: lessons from fluoroquinolone trials

In clinical trial settings the standard 6-month treatment regimen for drug-sensitive pulmonary tuberculosis can achieve relapse-free cure in more than 95% of people. However, poor adherence might increase the risk of relapse and lead to drug resistance. Shortening the duration of treatment has become a major priority for global control of tuberculosis—it will benefit patients and reduce the selection pressures that lead to the evolution of new drug-resistant strains.