Levofloxacin for the Prevention of Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Vietnam

This double-blind, randomized trial evaluated the efficacy of a 6-month levofloxacin regimen versus placebo in preventing tuberculosis among 2041 household contacts of individuals with multidrug-resistant (MDR) or rifampicin-resistant TB in Vietnam. Confirmed TB incidence was 0.6% in the levofloxacin group and 1.1% in the placebo group. an insignificant difference (IRR 0.55, 95% CI: 0.19–1.62). While low-grade adverse events were more frequent with levofloxacin, serious events were rare, and no acquired fluoroquinolone resistance was detected. The findings suggest levofloxacin is safe and may reduce TB incidence, though effectiveness requires further evidence.

This double-blind, randomized trial evaluated the efficacy of a 6-month levofloxacin regimen versus placebo in preventing tuberculosis among 2041 household contacts of individuals with multidrug-resistant (MDR) or rifampicin-resistant TB in Vietnam. Confirmed TB incidence was 0.6% in the levofloxacin group and 1.1% in the placebo group. an insignificant difference (IRR 0.55, 95% CI: 0.19–1.62). While low-grade adverse events were more frequent with levofloxacin, serious events were rare, and no acquired fluoroquinolone resistance was detected. The findings suggest levofloxacin is safe and may reduce TB incidence, though effectiveness requires further evidence.