The clinical management of drug-resistant tuberculosis

Drug-resistant tuberculosis is a growing problem, with almost half a million cases worldwide. In spite of the difficulty in its management, drug-resistant tuberculosis can be successfully treated, even in poor settings.

This article will review key findings in the areas of epidemiology, diagnosis and management of drug-resistant tuberculosis, including new antituberculous drugs. The issue of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis will also be reviewed and discussed. Finally, novel approaches to the management of drug-resistant tuberculosis in populations with HIV, as well as in pediatric populations, among pregnant women, and among patients requiring surgical therapy, will be reviewed.

New advances in the diagnosis and management of drug-resistant tuberculosis allow for excellent clinical outcomes to be achieved, even in difficult-to-treat populations. This is possible with timely diagnosis of disease and rapid initiation of appropriate therapy in supported settings.