MDR-TB
Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB)
Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a form of tuberculosis (TB) infection caused by bacteria that are resistant to treatment with at least two of the most powerful first-line anti-TB medications: isoniazid and rifampicin. MDR-TB is a significant public health challenge and poses a threat to global TB control efforts.
Overview[edit | edit source]
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body. TB is spread through the air when people who have active TB in their lungs cough, spit, speak, or sneeze.
MDR-TB occurs when the TB bacteria become resistant to the drugs used to treat the disease. This resistance can develop through improper use of antibiotics in chemotherapy of drug-susceptible TB patients, or it can be transmitted from person to person.
Causes[edit | edit source]
The development of MDR-TB is primarily due to:
- Inadequate treatment: Incorrect prescription, poor quality drugs, or premature treatment interruption can lead to drug resistance.
- Transmission: MDR-TB can be spread from person to person, similar to drug-susceptible TB.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Diagnosing MDR-TB involves:
- Sputum culture and drug susceptibility testing (DST): This is the gold standard for diagnosing MDR-TB.
- Molecular tests: Rapid molecular tests such as Xpert MTB/RIF can detect TB and rifampicin resistance within hours.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treating MDR-TB is more complex than treating drug-susceptible TB. It requires:
- Second-line drugs: These include fluoroquinolones and injectable agents such as amikacin, kanamycin, or capreomycin.
- Longer treatment duration: Treatment typically lasts 18-24 months.
- Adverse effects management: Second-line drugs often have more severe side effects.
Prevention[edit | edit source]
Preventing MDR-TB involves:
- Ensuring proper treatment of drug-susceptible TB: Adherence to treatment regimens and proper management of TB cases.
- Infection control measures: Reducing transmission in healthcare settings and communities.
Global Impact[edit | edit source]
MDR-TB is a global health concern, with the highest burden in countries like India, China, and Russia. The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed strategies to combat MDR-TB, including the End TB Strategy, which aims to reduce TB incidence by 90% by 2035.
Also see[edit | edit source]
- Tuberculosis
- Extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB)
- Antibiotic resistance
- World Health Organization
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
