This is a picture of drugs used for treatment of tuberculosis (TB). The discovery of antibiotic drugs, which kill bacteria, was a turning point in TB control. In richer countries, the disease formerly known as consumption used to be "treated" with a special diet and bed rest, usually in a sanatorium. In the late 1950s, it was established that neither was necessary. TB could be cured with well supervised antibiotic treatment at home. A proper combination of anti-tuberculosis drugs achieves both prevention and cure. Effective treatment quickly makes the individual non-contagious and this prevents further spread of the TB germ. Achieving a cure takes about six months of daily treatment with a combination of antibiotics. To ensure thorough treatment, it is important for the individual to take his or her pills in the presence of someone who can supervise the therapy. This approach - called DOTS (directly observed treatment, short course) - cures the disease in 95% of cases. More about AIDS, HIV and Tuberculosis (TB) can be found at http://www.avert.org/tuberc.htm

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Photo credit: � AVERT