Multi-drug-resistant Tuberculosis

Multi-Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a form of tuberculosis that is resistant to two of the most common antibiotics used to treat the disease. This makes it much more difficult to treat and is a serious public health concern around the world. While MDR-TB is relatively rare in most developed countries, it is much more common in parts of the developing world, where access to quality medical care and drugs is limited. In addition to the normal symptoms of TB, people with MDR-TB may experience cough, weight loss, and fever for an extended period of time. Treatment of MDR-TB requires multiple antibiotics and may take months or even years to successfully complete. New strategies, such as early detection and a better understanding of how to prevent the spread of MDR-TB, are necessary to effectively address the public health crisis.