Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis: A Glance at Progress and Global Challenges.

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MDR-TB) presents a significant global health and economic challenge.
• Effective MDR-TB management necessitates a comprehensive programmatic approach, including laboratory services, second-line drugs, and clinical resources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of MDR-TB.
• To highlight the potential of new developments to achieve the goal of ending tuberculosis.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent developments in diagnostic techniques, including whole genome sequencing for drug susceptibility prediction.
• Overview of novel drug development and the shift towards oral treatment regimens.
• Examination of multinational trials informing optimal MDR-TB treatment combinations.

Main Results:

• Whole genome sequencing offers promising drug susceptibility prediction capabilities.
• A new generation of drugs is enabling purely oral treatment regimens for MDR-TB.
• Ongoing multinational trials are identifying the most effective treatment combinations.

Conclusions:

• Rapid advancements in diagnostics and therapeutics are transforming MDR-TB management.
• The current momentum in research and development provides a realistic pathway towards ending tuberculosis by 2030.