Multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB), defined as resistance to at least isoniazid and rifampin, currently poses a serious challenge to global TB control efforts. Recent surveys conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (IUATLD) have shown that drug resistance affects all countries evaluated to date. Resistance to at least one anti-tuberculosis medication among new cases ranged from 2% to 37% in the 58 geographical settings surveyed between 1996-1999, and the prevalence of MDR TB among new cases ranged from 0% to 14% (median prevalence=1%). High burden areas for MDR TB included the Baltic region, certain areas of the Russian Federation, China and India, as well as Mozambique. Some data suggest that drug-resistant TB strains are less infectious than drug-susceptible strains, but greater transmission may occur due to longer durations of infectiousness resulting from improper and less effective treatment. Strong TB control programs are the best prevention against the development of acquired and community-transmitted MDR TB, but in settings where MDR TB is already relatively high, careful MDR treatment regimens with second-line drugs are required.
Learning Objectives: To learn about the epidemiology associated with global multidrug resistant tuberculosis.
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.