TB Research

Linezolid Toxicity in South African Children With Rifampicin-resistant Tuberculosis.

Sacha Horn, Louvina E van der Laan, Hendrik Simon Schaaf, Anneke C Hesseling, Anthony J Garcia-Prats

The Pediatric infectious disease journal · 2026-06

Abstract

There is little evidence about linezolid-attributed toxicity in children with drug-resistant tuberculosis. In a prospective cohort of South African children treated with linezolid, anemia, thrombocytopenia and peripheral neuropathy were common, sometimes severe, and often required active management. Peripheral neuropathy and grade 3/4 events typically occurred after ≥3 months of treatment.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Linezolid
  • South Africa
  • Child, Preschool
  • Child
  • Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant
  • Male
  • Prospective Studies
  • Antitubercular Agents
  • Female
  • Rifampin
  • Infant
  • Adolescent
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases
  • Anemia
  • Thrombocytopenia