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Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB)

Tuberculosis resistant to isoniazid and rifampicin requiring prolonged specialized therapy.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Internal Medicine department. Book Appointment →

What is Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB)?

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis resistant to at least isoniazid and rifampicin, the two principal anti-TB drugs.

Resistant TB usually develops because of poor adherence, inadequate regimens or use of drugs without susceptibility testing. Primary infection with a resistant strain is also possible.

Treatment is long (at least 9-20 months), has a heavy adverse-effect profile and requires complex drug combinations, so it must be delivered in specialized centers.

Symptoms

Cough that persists despite prolonged treatment
Continuing fever and night sweats
Weight loss
Blood-streaked sputum
Chest pain
Fatigue
Worsening chest radiograph

Risk Factors

Poor adherence in previous TB therapy
Close contact with an MDR-TB patient
HIV infection
Prison and crowded settings
Inappropriate treatment regimens
Severe malnutrition
Immunosuppression

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • When standard TB therapy is not responding by month two
  • When sputum cultures become positive again
  • After exposure to an MDR-TB patient
  • If weight loss and fever persist despite treatment
  • When new-onset shortness of breath develops

Treatment Methods

01
Drug-susceptibility-based regimen
02
Bedaquiline, linezolid, pretomanid
03
Fluoroquinolones (levofloxacin, moxifloxacin)
04
Clofazimine, cycloserine
05
Long-term follow-up (9-20 months)
06
Specialized center care with directly observed therapy (DOT)

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.