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Fluoroquinolones, tuberculosis, and resistance
Amy Sarah Ginsburg1, Jacques H Grosset, William R Bishai
1Center for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
The Lancet. Infectious Diseases
|July 3, 2003
Summary
Fluoroquinolones show promise for tuberculosis treatment but raise concerns. Emerging fluoroquinolone resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis threatens their long-term effectiveness, necessitating careful use.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Fluoroquinolones are increasingly considered for tuberculosis (TB) treatment, moving beyond roles in resistant or intolerant cases.
- Concerns exist regarding fluoroquinolone resistance development in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, especially with monotherapy or in failing multidrug regimens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the growing threat of fluoroquinolone resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
- To emphasize the need for judicious use of fluoroquinolones to preserve their clinical utility.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on fluoroquinolone use in tuberculosis.
- Analysis of documented treatment failures and relapses associated with fluoroquinolone resistance.
- Assessment of selective pressures contributing to fluoroquinolone resistance emergence.
Main Results:
- Treatment failures and relapses have been observed when fluoroquinolones are used as monotherapy or the sole active agent.
- Increasing fluoroquinolone prescriptions contribute to resistance emergence across various organisms, including M. tuberculosis.
- Emerging resistance in M. tuberculosis poses a significant future threat to fluoroquinolone efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Judicious use and education are crucial to mitigate fluoroquinolone resistance in M. tuberculosis.
- Preserving the effectiveness of fluoroquinolones requires strategies to combat rising resistance.
- Proactive measures are needed to ensure the long-term clinical utility of this important antibiotic class.