Drug-resistant tuberculosis are strains of tuberculosis that are resistant to various drugs. This resistance causes treatment to depend on less effective types of drugs with worse treatment outcomes.

Two types of drug-resistant tuberculosis are multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis, which does not respond to isoniazid or rifampicin the primary drugs used in the treatment of tuberculosis, and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis, which is unresponsive to an even wider range of medications.

Over time bacteria can become resistant to antibiotic treatment causing great difficulty for treatment of diseases. This resistance can be spread from person to person when the bacteria is passed on. Improper use of anti tuberculosis medications, such as not taking the recommended and full doses, and improper treatment causes drug resistant tuberculosis by allowing the bacteria to mutate and become resistant to the first line defense medications for TB.

Treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis is difficult and complicated. The treatment needs to be managed, or at least in close consultation with someone that is an expert in the disease itself. Drug-susceptibility testing will be done to prove resistance. The use of second line drugs and possibly surgery are sometimes used in treating drug-resistant tuberculosis. Good patient outcome depends on rapid response and proper therapy.

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis, please consult your doctor.