Let's Understand Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis

Drug resistance has emerged to become one of the most alarming health threats worldwide that is being addressed by the scientific community on priority.

Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis occurs when the causative bacterium becomes resistant to some or all of the frontline drugs used to treat TB. It has become a major cause of concern that warrants the discovery of a drug effective in limiting the growth of these Drug-Resistant TB-causing bacilli.

Read my article for valuable insights into the possible use of PP derivatives to limit the spread of DR-TB.

READ

TYPES OF DRUG-RESISTANT TUBERCULOSIS:

1. Multidrug-Resistant TB (MDR-TB)

MDR-TB is caused by bacteria that are resistant to at least isoniazid and rifampin, two frontline drugs used to treat TB.

2. Pre-Extensively Drug-resistant TB (pre-XDR TB)

It is caused by bacteria that are resistant to isoniazid, rifampin and fluoroquinolone, or by bacteria that are resistant to isoniazid, rifampin, and second-line injectable drugs.

3. Extensively Drug-resistant TB (XDR TB)

Caused by TB bacteria that are resistant to isoniazid and rifampin, a fluroquinolone, and a second-line injectable drug or by TB bacteria that are resistant to isoniazid, rifampin, a fluroquinolone, and bedaquiline or linezolid. This is a major cause of concern as it limits the antibiotics that can be used to treat patients.

CAUSES OF DRUG-RESISTANT TUBERCULOSIS:

• Infected people do not complete their course of antibiotics prescribed to them.

• Often, an incorrect line of treatment is prescribed to patients.

• Good-quality drugs are not available

• Drugs are not distributed to all parts of the world.

Source: https://zettahealtheverblog.wordpress.com/2015/04/01/did-u-know-about-drug-resistant-tuberculosis/

Read more:

https://www.cdc.gov/tb/topic/drtb/default.htm