Management of rifampicin mono-resistant tuberculosis in Queensland, Australia: a retrospective case series

Rifampicin mono-resistant tuberculosis (RMR-TB) is rare worldwide; however, it is associated with poor treatment outcomes. Evidence to guide the treatment of RMR-TB is lacking. International guidelines have recently changed and now recommend that RMR-TB should be managed with multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) regimens. This report is a retrospective review of all cases of RMR-TB in Queensland, Australia, from 2000 to 2016 to assess treatment outcomes and regimens used. Twelve cases of RMR-TB were diagnosed, with seven patients completing treatment in Queensland. This study confirms that RMR-TB is rare in Queensland. Generally extended regimens with first-line agents +/- a fluoroquinolone were used, and all patients who completed treatment in Queensland had successful outcomes.