SHORT-COURSE CHEMOTHERAPY FOR PULMONARY-DISEASE CAUSED BY MYCOBACTERIUM-KANSASII

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Abstract
Patients (40) with pulmonary disease caused by M. kansasii were treated initially with rifampin, isoniazid and ethambutol daily for 12 mo., and with streptomycin twice weekly for the first 3 mo. Postchemotherapy follow-up examinations have ranged from 6-68 mo., with an average of 31 mo. Of the 40 patients (.apprx. 2.5%) relapsed 6 mo. after completion of chemotherapy. In vitro susceptibility of the mycobacteria to the drugs used, extent of disease and/or the coexistence of other diseases did not seem to influence the outcome. This 12-mo. chemotherapy regimen is considered sufficient for the initial treatment of pulmonary disease caused by M. kansasii.