Directly observed treatment, short-course

Directly observed treatment, short-course is the name given to the tuberculosis (TB) control strategy recommended by the World Health Organization. According to WHO, "The most cost-effective way to stop the spread of TB in communities with a high incidence is by curing it. The best curative method for TB is known as DOTS." DOTS has five main components:Government commitment Case detection by sputum smear microscopy Standardized treatment regimen directly of six to nine months observed by a healthcare worker or community health worker for at least the first two months Drug supply A standardized recording and reporting system that allows assessment of treatment results