Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2006. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Sunday Times (Johannesburg) - September 10, 2006
Phindile Chauke
Tuberculosis is a disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. The bacteria usually attack the lungs, although they can attack any part of the body, including the kidney, spine, and brain. If not treated properly, TB can be fatal.
What is multi-drug-resistant TB?
MRD-TB is a strain of TB that is resistant to at least the two main first-line TB drugs - isoniazid and rifampicin. It occurs primarily due to poorly managed TB care.
What is extremely drug-resistant tuberculosis?
XDR-TB is MDR-TB that is also resistant to three or more of the six classes of second-line drugs.
What are the possible implications?
Given the underlying HIV/Aids epidemic, drug-resistant TB could have a severe impact on mortality in Africa. XDR-TB poses a grave public health threat.
What are some of the World Health Organisation's guidelines for the management of drug-resistant TB?
* Strengthen basic TB care to prevent emergence of drug resistance.
* Ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment of drug-resistant cases to cure existing cases and prevent further transmission.
* Increase collaboration between HIV- and TB-control programmes to provide necessary prevention and care to co-infected patients.
* Increase investment in laboratory infrastructure to enable better management of resistant cases. -
060910
ST060905
Copyright © 2006 - The Sunday Times. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Sunday Times Permissions Desk.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted grants from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2006. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2006. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .