Multi drug resistant tuberculosis: a challenge in the management of tuberculosis

Abstract

Multi drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) will not usually respond to short course chemotherapy. Unless the individual infected with this bug is treated appropriately, they can continue spreading resistant strains in the community and further fuel the tuberculosis epidemic. Diagnosis requires drug sensitivity testing and the capability to do this is not widely available. Multi drug resistant tuberculosis has been reported all over Africa but the prevalence is still low. The treatment is not only expensive but also quite prolonged and compliance cannot be overemphasized. The recent outbreaks of extensive drug resistant TB further complicate the management and control of the disease. This is a perspective on challenges of managing MDR TB and its effect on the control program the information presented is gathered from published data.

African Journal of Health Sciences Vol. 15 (1&2) 2008: pp. 6-13