What therapeutic approach is used to manage TB?

The therapeutic approach used to manage tuberculosis (TB) is antitubercular agents. These medications are specifically designed to target and eliminate the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria that cause the infection. The standard treatment regimen typically consists of a combination of several antibiotics taken over a prolonged period, usually six to nine months, to effectively cure the disease and prevent the development of drug resistance.

Antitubercular agents work by inhibiting the growth and reproduction of the bacteria, and they can be categorized into first-line and second-line drugs, with first-line agents being the most effective and commonly used. This targeted approach is crucial, as it directly addresses the underlying infectious agent causing TB, thereby resolving the condition and reducing the risk of transmission to others.

In contrast, other options provided do not target the TB infection itself. Heparin therapy is primarily used to prevent blood clots, thoracentesis is a procedure to remove fluid from the pleural space, and corticosteroids are general anti-inflammatory medications that might be used in specific cases of TB-related complications but are not effective as primary treatments for the infection.