Flow of cases of sputum smear-positive Tuberculosis as per successive sputum smear microscopy results.

<p>Mid-CP follow-up refers to the sputum smear microscopy which is scheduled between the 4^th and 6^th month of anti-TB treatment, i.e. in the middle of the ‘continuation phase’ (CP) of typical anti-TB treatment. Cases that are found to be smear-positive at 5^th month or later are considered as not responding to treatment (‘treatment failure’). Numerals shown in rectangular boxes refer to number of cases with treatment failure who were detected two-three months earlier than at the end of treatment as they were smear-positive in mid-CP follow-up at or beyond 5^th month of anti-TB treatment. Numerals shown in clear ovals refer to number of cases with treatment failure that were detected only at the end of treatment because they were either smear-negative in mid CP follow-up, or had a smear-positive mid-CP result before 5^th month of anti-TB treatment. Numerals shown in shaded ovals refer to number of cases with treatment failure who missed their mid-CP follow-up scheduled at or beyond 5^th month of treatment. These cases could have been detected two-three months earlier had they undergone mid-CP follow-up and were found to be smear-positive.