Evolution of drug-resistant tuberculosis: a tale of two species.
The history of the disease tuberculosis is briefly discussed. Now human societal failures have potentiated the evolution of drug-resistant strains of the tubercle bacillus in the United States and around the world. Until recently, this evolutionary change largely posed a threat to the health and survival of the individual in whom inadequate therapy promoted the drug resistance. However, the human immunodeficiency virus epidemic threatens to promote wholesale transmission of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis with the potential for immense morbidity and mortality. Reinforced treatment and control programs for tuberculosis are vital.
Iseman
M D
MD
University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, CO.
D005075:Biological Evolution; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D018088:Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology