Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis

🦠 What is Tuberculosis (TB)?

Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by bacteria that are spread from person to person through the air. TB usually affects the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body, such as the brain, kidneys, or spine. In most cases, TB is treatable and curable. However, persons with TB can die if they do not receive proper treatment.

💊 What is Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR TB)?

Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR TB) is caused by an organism that is resistant to at least isoniazid and rifampin — the two most potent TB drugs. These medications are used to treat all persons with TB disease.

🧬 What is Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (XDR TB)?

Extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR TB) is a rare form of MDR TB that is resistant to:

• Isoniazid

• Rifampin

• Any fluoroquinolone

• At least one of the three injectable second-line drugs: amikacin, kanamycin, or capreomycin

Because XDR TB is resistant to the most powerful TB drugs, treatment options are limited and less effective. XDR TB is especially concerning for people with HIV infection or other conditions that weaken the immune system. These individuals are more likely to develop TB disease once infected and also face a higher risk of death.

🌬️ How is TB Spread?

Both drug-susceptible and drug-resistant TB are spread the same way.

TB bacteria are released into the air when a person with TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings. These bacteria can remain airborne for several hours, depending on the environment. People who breathe in this air can become infected.

TB is not spread by:

• Shaking someone’s hand

• Sharing food or drink

• Touching bed linens or toilet seats

⚠️ How Does Drug Resistance Happen?

Drug resistance can develop when TB medications are misused or mismanaged. This may occur when:

• Patients do not complete the full course of treatment

• Health care providers prescribe the wrong treatment, dose, or duration

• Medication supply is inconsistent or unavailable

• Drugs are of poor quality

👥 Who Is at Risk for Getting MDR TB?

People are more likely to develop MDR TB if they:

• Do not take TB medications regularly

• Do not complete the full treatment as prescribed

• Develop TB again after prior treatment

• Come from regions where drug-resistant TB is common

• Have been in contact with someone who has drug-resistant TB

🛡️ How Can MDR TB Be Prevented?

The most effective way to prevent the spread of MDR TB is to take all medications exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

• Do not skip doses or stop treatment early

• Inform your provider if you’re having trouble with the medication

• If traveling, make sure you have enough medicine for the entire trip

Healthcare providers also play a role in MDR TB prevention by:

• Diagnosing cases early

• Following correct treatment protocols

• Monitoring patient response

• Ensuring treatment is completed fully

Another way to prevent MDR TB is to avoid close contact with known MDR TB patients in closed or crowded places like:

• Hospitals

• Prisons

• Homeless shelters