Definition of Tuberculosis, drug-resistant

Tuberculosis, drug-resistant: Tuberculosis (TB) that does not respond to drug treatment.

Drug-resistant TB has become a very serious problem in recent years in certain populations. For example, TB resistant to the drug isoniazid (INH) is seen among patients from Southeast Asia. The reason for this INH resistance is not quite clear. However, the presence of INH-like substances in the cough syrups in that part of the world may play a role in causing the INH resistance.

An even more serious problem is the multidrug resistant TB that has been seen in prison populations. Poor compliance (failure to take the prescribed drugs) by the inmates is thought to be the main reason for this multidrug resistance.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• isoniazid-oral, Niazid - Consumer information about the medication ISONIAZID - ORAL (Niazid), includes side effects, drug interactions, recommended dosages, and storage information. Read more about the prescription drug ISONIAZID - ORAL.
• Tuberculosis Skin Test (PPD Skin Test) - The tuberculosis skin test (also known as the tuberculin or PPD test) determines whether a person has developed an immune response to the bacterium that causes tuberculosis (TB). Learn how the test is administered, how a reading is obtained, and how the results are interpreted.
• Pneumonia - Learn pneumonia symptoms, causes, treatment, signs, diagnosis and types: viral and bacterial (Pneumocystis carinii, Klebsiella, Mycoplasma, Chlamydia pneumoniae).

Read more Tuberculosis related articles »

Latest Medical News

• Antibiotic Resistance Still a Major Public Health Threat
• Worldwide Vaccine Availability Reaches All-Time High: Report
• Could the Recession Be Good for Your Health?
• Faster Detection of TB May Be on the Horizon