Evaluating the cost-effectiveness of levofloxacin therapy for household contacts of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Vietnam

Abstract

Background: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) threatens global TB control, on account of poor treatment outcomes, high treatment toxicity and costs. Recent trials demonstrated the effectiveness of six-months of levofloxacin (6Lfx) to prevent TB disease among high-risk contacts. However, the cost-effectiveness of this strategy has not previously been evaluated. Methods: The VQUIN study was a double-blinded randomised control trial in Vietnam assessing the effectiveness of 6Lfx in household contacts of multidrug resistant/rifampicin resistant TB (MDR/RR-TB) to prevent progression to TB disease. Incorporating in-trial costs and effectiveness outcomes from the VQUIN trial, we developed a clo..