title: Fluoroquinolone-resistant tuberculosis: implications in settings with weak healthcare systems.
abstract: Fluoroquinolones (FQ) play an essential role in the treatment and control of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). They are also being evaluated as part of newer regimens under development for drug-sensitive TB. As newer FQ-based regimens are explored, knowledge of FQ resistance data from high TB burden countries becomes essential. We examine available FQ resistance data from high TB burden countries and demonstrate the need for comprehensive surveys to evaluate FQ resistance in these countries. The factors driving FQ resistance in such conditions and the cost of such resistance to weak healthcare systems are discussed. The need for a comprehensive policy for addressing the issue of FQ resistance is highlighted.
authors: Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, PO Box 3500, Karachi 74800, Pakistan.
authors: Kauser
authors: K
authors: Jabeen
authors: Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, PO Box 3500, Karachi 74800, Pakistan.
authors: Sadia
authors: S
authors: Shakoor
authors: Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, PO Box 3500, Karachi 74800, Pakistan. Electronic address: rumina.hasan@aku.edu.
authors: Rumina
authors: R
authors: Hasan
mesh_terms: D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D024881:Drug Resistance, Bacterial; D024841:Fluoroquinolones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D009169:Mycobacterium tuberculosis / Q000187:drug effects; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D018088:Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D000995:Antitubercular Agents; D024841:Fluoroquinolones
keywords: Drug-resistant tuberculosis; Fluoroquinolone resistance; Health systems; Tuberculosis