Multi drug resistant TB is a challenge to the control of tuberculosis. The increasing incidence is compounded by the difficulties in diagnosing and treatment. Recent updates of WHO guidelines have proposed changes in the treatment regimens. Multi Drug Resistant TB refers to isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) that are resistant to isoniazid and rifampicin at the least.
An extension of the resistance spectrum to include a fluouroquinolone and any of the second line injectables gives rise to extremely drug resistant TB (XDR-TB). Despite the consistent efforts of RNTCP in detecting and controlling tuberculosis, MDR-TB has become a major challenge in our country. Variable reports state an incidence of 2% - 3% among new cases and 12% - 17% among reinfection cases. In this scenario RNTCP revised its armamentarium against TB by introducing DOTS-PLUS and scaling up the laboratories.…
