How did tuberculosis become resistant to drugs?

Sometimes drug-resistant TB occurs when bacteria become resistant to the drugs used to treat TB. This means that the drug can no longer kill the TB bacteria. Drug-resistant TB (DR TB) is spread the same way that drug-susceptible TB is spread. TB is spread through the air from one person to another.

When did drug-resistant TB become a problem?

A question of political will Dowdy said a parallel exists between the current situation and the drug-resistant TB epidemic that emerged in the United States in the early ’90s.

Where is Multi Drug Resistant TB most prevalent?

The highest MDR rates are found in countries of Eastern Europe and central Asia, where MDR strains threaten to become as common as pan-susceptible strains. In some countries, MDR strains account for up to 20% of new TB cases and well over 50% of patients with a history of previous TB treatment.

What kind of drugs are used for drug resistant TB?

Extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR TB) is a rare type of MDR TB that is resistant to isoniazid and rifampin, plus any fluoroquinolone and at least one of three injectable second-line drugs (i.e., amikacin, kanamycin, or capreomycin). Treating and curing drug-resistant TB is complicated. Inappropriate management can have life-threatening results.

What causes multidrug resistant TB ( MDR TB )?

Drug-resistant TB can occur when the drugs used to treat TB are misused or mismanaged. Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR TB) is caused by TB bacteria that is resistant to at least isoniazid and rifampin, the two most potent TB drugs.

Are there any guidelines for treatment of XDR TB?

TB experts should be consulted in the treatment of XDR TB. The emergence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains that cause XDR TB has prompted the issuance of interim guidelines for clinical and research laboratories handling XDR TB specimens.

How is drug resistant TB spread from person to person?

Drug-Resistant TB. Drug-resistant TB (DR TB) is spread the same way that drug-susceptible TB is spread. TB is spread through the air from one person to another. The TB bacteria are put into the air when a person with TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings. People nearby may breathe in these bacteria and become infected.