reassesment of the efficacy of directly observed treatment with short course (dots) on pulmonary tuberculosis in

this study was carried out to evaluat the effectiveness of DOTS on patient outcome in Sharkia Governorate. The study was done at both Chest Department, Zagazig University Hospitals and Outpatient Clinics of Zagazig Chest Hospital in the period from October 2008 to October 2009. One hundred and twenty patients with smear positive tuberculosis were included in this study. Their ages ranged from 14 to 76 years old. Patients were classified into two groups during the study:Group I: included 60 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis who have been receiving anti TB treatment according to DOTS.Group II: included 60 patients, with pulmonary tuberculosis were receiving anti TB treatment but not under DOTS.All patients were subjected to the following:1-Medical history and full clinical examination including weight measurement (kg) before and after the therapy.2- Routine laboratory investigations: a- ESR. b- CBC. c- Fasting and postprandial blood sugar. d- Liver and kidney function tests.3- Radiological examination: plain chest X ray (P.A and lateral views) and chest CT was done for 20 cases only.4- Sputum analysis: by Ziehl Neelsen stain for acid fast bacilli.