Romanian anti-TB drugs resistance surveillance 2003-2004.

Unlabelled: Romania decided and initiated a DRS for anti-TB drugs at national level using the standardized methodology proposed by WHO and IUATLD. The DRS protocol was designed with technical assistance from WHO; the surveillance started in June 2003 and ended in June 2004. It was tested the susceptibility to the 4 first line anti-TB drugs: Isoniazide (H), Rifampicin (R), Streptomycin (S), Ethambutol (E).

[Considerations about the efficiency of treatment regimens with fixed Rifampicin-Isoniazid combinations in pulmonary tuberculosis].

Here are presented the results of a prospective, randomized study regarding the efficiency of regimens with fixed drug combination Rifampicin-Isoniazide manufactured by Antibiotics S.A. of Iasi in comparison with single drugs routinely used in treatment of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.

[International standards for tuberculosis management].

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.

[National Program for TB Control (NPTC): report of 2005 activities, evolution of endemic disease, challenges, priorities].

The authors analyze the current status of anti-TB activity in Romania, in which several factors are involved: the pneumo-phthisiology network, the central unit (M. Nasta Institute of Pneumology), the Health Insurance, Health Ministry as well as international funding and technical assistance units (Global Fund, World Health Organisation). Current TB incidence data are reviewed, as well as the events in NPTC during 2005: training of the personnel involved in TB care (pneumologists and general practitioners, nurses, laboratory staff), improving TB care in risk groups (children, inmates, HIV positives, gypsies), improving the functionality of bK laboratory network, improving access of multidrug resistant TB patients to good quality services, improving the system for acquiring and distributing medication, developing a functional system for monitoring the NPTC, integrating TB in the national system for transmissible diseases survey, elaborating guidelines on different aspects of TB care.