Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB)

Dr.Akshay Budhraja, 3 mins read

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is gradually becoming a global concern, as cases are rising, especially among children and adolescents. However, with the right care and doctor’s guidance, multidrug-resistant tuberculosis can be treated. This guide will discuss this condition in detail so you can make the right decisions at the right time.

What Is Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis?

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis is a severe form of TB. This happens when TB germs are resistant to commonly used TB drugs. Because of this, drug-resistant tuberculosis is complicated to treat and needs specialised care from an expert doctor.

There are different types of drug-resistant tuberculosis based on the medicines TB germs are resistant to. Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis means TB germs are resistant to two or more main drugs: rifampin and isoniazid.

There are two more serious and rare forms of TB in which TB germs are resistant to nearly all TB medicines. These include pre-extensively drug-resistant TB (Pre-XDR TB) and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR TB).

At Aakash Healthcare, we have a highly experienced and trusted team of doctors who are well-trained in treating complex tuberculosis cases.

What Causes Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis?

Exposure to Drug-Resistant TB Germs
Drug-resistant TB germs spread from one person to another when the infected person speaks, coughs or sings and the other person inhales the germs. These germs stay in the air for several hours, especially indoors or in areas with poor air circulation.

Misuse or Mismanagement of TB Medicine

Drug-resistant TB can also develop when:

• The treatment course is not completed.
• The medicine or dosage is wrong.

Risk Factors

• Spending time with a TB-infected person.
• Not completing the TB treatment course.
• Not following the doctor’s advice or dosage.
• Live in a TB-prone area
• Develop TB again. 

The best strategy to prevent drug-resistant tuberculosis is to take the full course of treatment and follow your doctor’s advice properly. In case, you experience any problem in taking any medicine or develop any side effects like rash, talk to your doctor for help.

Diagnosis

Usually, a laboratory test is advised to diagnose TB. Laboratories perform extra tests to see if TB germs are resistant to any medicine.

Treatment

Treatment for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis is complicated. But with the right approach and special medicine, it can be treated. Usually, the treatment course of TB is six months. However, treatment of multidrug-resistant TB and extensively drug-resistant TB may take longer time. It’s best to seek medical attention from a TB expert for optimum care and better results