Drug-resistant Tuberculosis: A Global Health Concern

Drug-resistant tuberculosis is a re-emerging public health concern which requires special attention all around the world.Among all the infectious diseases, drug-resistant tuberculosis is now the most lethal infection causing disease in both children and adults.The co-infection of HIV with tuberculosis increases the mortality rates globally.The resistance follows two mechanics: either it will be intrinsic or acquired; both are equally drastic for the health of the individuals.The phenotypic methods for the detection of drug-resistant tuberculosis include culture methods.In culture methods bacteria are introduced in a medium with anti-TB agents to check if it is resistant or susceptible to particular anti-TB agents.In genotypic methods, advanced tools are used for the purpose of diagnosis for bacteria such as LPAs.The treatment of TB involves drug therapy for at least four months or more while specific drugs are given to the patients.First-line and second-line TB drugs are more commonly used for the treatment purposes.The chapter explains the mechanism of resistance, diagnosis and treatment regimens used for drug-resistant tuberculosis.