Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Drug Resistance Mechanisms

Abstract Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). It affects mainly the lungs, but it may also occur in extrapulmonary sites. TB is a world challenge due to its high burden and the emergency of drug-resistant MTB. MTB employs a wide range of resistance mechanisms to escape the action of the drugs currently in use for TB treatment. These mechanisms can be classified as intrinsic or acquired and are related to mycobacterium genetic diversity, strain transmission, and irregular treatment. The surveillance of resistant MTB is of high importance to guide treatment recommendations and control measures.