The Directly Observed Therapy Short-Course (DOTS) strategy, in search of a cure against tuberculosis

Abstract

Introduction: currently, tuberculosis is considered a global public health problem of serious magnitude that requires urgent attention and causes considerable direct and indirect costs to individuals and society. DOTS is a Directly Observed strategy for TB treatment that intended to ensure the cure of the disease. Objective: To determine the key concepts and elements those make up the DOTS strategy in the treatment of TB. Methodology: a literature review was made in PubMed and Lilacs databases using the terms: DOTS and TB. All review articles in English and Spanish with free access including a comprehensive approach to this strategy were included. Results: in 2000, 148 countries had adopted the World Organization Health DOTS `strategy for control TB and 27% of global TB cases were treated under this strategy. Although significant, this progress has not been sufficient. Due to problems with human resources, financial cutbacks, inadequate infrastructure for health care and lack of TB drugs supply good quality, DOTS has not achieved rapid growth. Conclusions: DOTS is an appropriate strategy to ensure the cure of tuberculosis; however more financial investments are required that seeking the prevention and control of this disease. [Cardona J, Jiménez E, Mejía L.The Directly Observed Therapy Short-Course (DOTS) strategy, in search of a cure against tuberculosis.MedUNAB 2014;16(3):143-148]