Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis and Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis.
The continuing spread of drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most urgent and difficult challenges facing global TB control. Patients who are infected with strains resistant to isoniazid and rifampicin, called multidrug-resistant (MDR) TB, are practically incurable by standard first-line treatment. In 2012, there were approximately 450,000 new cases and 170,000 deaths because of MDR-TB. Extensively drug-resistant (XDR) TB refers to MDR-TB strains that are resistant to fluoroquinolones and second-line injectable drugs. The main causes of the spread of resistant TB are weak medical systems, amplification of resistance patterns through incorrect treatment, and transmission in communities and facilities. Although patients harboring MDR and XDR strains present a formidable challenge for treatment, cure is often possible with early identification of resistance and use of a properly designed regimen. Community-based programs can improve treatment outcomes by allowing patients to be treated in their homes and addressing socioeconomic barriers to adherence.
Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115 Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115 Partners In Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02215.
Kwonjune J
KJ
Seung
Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115 Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115 Partners In Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02215.
Salmaan
S
Keshavjee
Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115 Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115 Partners In Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02215.
Michael L
ML
Rich
D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D060085:Coinfection / Q000150:complications; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D015195:Drug Design; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D054908:Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D024841:Fluoroquinolones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014943:Global Health; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D007538:Isoniazid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000188:drug therapy; D012293:Rifampin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018088:Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*
D000995:Antitubercular Agents; D024841:Fluoroquinolones; D007538:Isoniazid; D012293:Rifampin