The Tuberculosis Network European Trials Group (TBNET): new directions in the management of tuberculosis

The Tuberculosis Network European Trials Group (TBNET) is the largest clinical research organisation in Europe. Educational activities include the TBNET Academy and the European Advanced Course in Clinical Tuberculosis. Four of their publications are reviewed to show how the clinical management of tuberculosis is changing. KEY POINTS: Most tuberculosis (TB) in contacts is found at their first visit. In contacts of pulmonary TB patients, the likelihood of later TB is ≤3%. Genetic tests can indicate when another antimycobacterial drug in the same class might be effective (e.g. rifabutin when there is rifampicin resistance or which injectable to choose). The short-course “Bangladesh” regimen can only be rarely used in Europe. Treatment completion in multidrug-resistant TB should not be included as a successful outcome.