Study population
N-acetyl-L-cysteine/NaOH, PTB, Tuberculosis
TUBERCULOSIS
Patients were recruited from DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment, Short Course) centers in agreement with Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP) guidelines [Participants were diagnosed as a case of PTB by sputum smear examination for acid fast bacilli (AFB), for which 2 sputum samples were collected- one early morning and the second on the spot. The sputum was treated with N-acetyl-L-cysteine/NaOH and the ensuing sediment was stained by Ziehl Neelsen method [The primary outcome was rate of relapse of PTB in both arms assessed up to 24 months of follow up. Secondary outcomes included time to sputum smear and culture conversion in months.