Directly observed therapy

In treating TB, poor adherence to therapy is the most important cause of treatment failure and is associated with emergence of drug resistance. Medical Letter consultants recommend that almost all patients, including those with infection due to susceptible strains, take drugs for TB under direct observation ("directly observed therapy" or DOT). DOT has been shown to improve cure rates when compared to self-administered regimens. Due to the complexity and duration of treatment regimens, DOT is particularly important for treatment of patients with MDRTB and for patients on intermittent regimens. DOT services are available through most local and state health department TB program