Received: October 17, 2007.

Accepted: October 17, 2007.

Abstract published online: October 25, 2007.

Full paper published online: May 31, 2008.

TRENDS IN MULTIDRUG-RESISTANT TUBERCULOSIS

DIAS-BAPTISTA I. M. F. (1), USÓ S. M. R. S. (1), MARCONDES-MACHADO J. (2)

(1) Lauro de Souza Lima Institute, Bauru, São Paulo State, Brazil; (2) Department of Tropical Diseases and Imaging Diagnosis, Botucatu School of Medicine, São Paulo State University, UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.

ABSTRACT: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is an increasing global problem. The extent and burden of MDR-TB varies significantly from country to country and region to region. Globally, about three per cent of all newly diagnosed patients have MDR-TB and the proportion is higher in patients who had previously received anti-tuberculosis (anti-TB) treatment reflecting the failure of programs designed to ensure complete cure of patients with tuberculosis. The management of MDR-TB is a challenge that should be undertaken by experienced clinicians at centers equipped with reliable laboratory services and implementation of DOTS-Plus strategy.  

KEY WORDS: Tuberculosis, MDR-TB, XDR-TB, DOTS, DOTS-Plus.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: There is no conflict.

CORRESPONDENCE TO:

IDA MARIA FOSCHIANI DIAS BAPTISTA, Instituto Lauro de Souza Lima, Rodovia Comandante João Ribeiro de Barros, Km 225, 17034-971, Bauru, SP, Brasil. Phone: +(55) 14 3103 5946. Email: ifoschiani@gmail.com.