Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis: Understand the Causes, Risk Factors, and Preventive Measures
Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis
Drug-resistant Tuberculosis is the term used to describe TB microorganisms that have developed drug resistance. Continue reading to learn about its causes, risk factors, and ways to prevent it.
The bacterium that causes tuberculosis is airborne and can infect humans. The majority of Tuberculosis cases are curable. But if patients don’t receive the right care, they might not survive. Drug-resistant TB is the term used to describe TB microorganisms that have developed drug resistance. “The term Multi Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR TB) is used when the bacteria get resistant to Isoniazid and Rifampicin, the two most important drugs used during treatment,” stated Dr. Vivek Kumar Verma, Principal Consultant, Pulmonology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dehradun.
When Does Multi-Drug Resistant TB Develop?
When Tuberculosis medications are overused or prescribed incorrectly, or when a patient quits treatment midway through or fails to take their prescription medications, MDR-TB may develop.
Dr. Vivek Kumar Verma said, “Factors like wrong treatment, incorrect doses, and improper duration of consumption, contribute to the development of drug resistance. The chances of MDR – TB are more in patients who develop TB again after treatment, which is also termed as the relapse of the disease.”
Who Are At Risk Of Developing It?
- Do not take medicine regularly.
- Do not take all medicines as told by the doctor
- Develop TB disease again after taken TB medicine in past.
- Having spend some time with known patient MDR TB patient.
How Can MDR TB Be Prevented?
Compared to Tuberculosis, MDR-TB spreads more quickly and heals more slowly. Drug resistance can result from the improper or inappropriate use of antibiotics, the use of inadequate drug formulations (such as the usage of single medications, low-quality medications, or improper storage conditions), and the early termination of therapy.
According to Dr. Anupama Menon, a pediatric pulmonologist consultant at Rainbow Children’s Hospital in Marathahalli, Bengaluru, “TB and MDR TB are both airborne diseases that are spread in the same way.” People who don’t take their TB drugs as prescribed, have a history of TB relapse, come from countries where drug-resistant TB is prevalent, or have been around someone who has MDR-TB are at a higher risk of developing the disease.”
“Good hygienic habits and access to healthcare are essential for preventing tuberculosis of any type. Those who are infected must follow recommended hygiene practices, observe isolation protocols, adhere to treatment regimens, and let their healthcare professional know about any difficulties they may be having. In crowded or closed spaces, like shelters or hospital settings, extra caution must be used to ensure that the proper infection control measures are put in place,” she continued.
YOGA ASANAS TO HELP WITH MENOPAUSE SYMPTOMS
“Other measures include curing the TB patient the first time around, provide access to diagnosis (Drug resistance can be detected using special laboratory tests which test the bacteria for sensitivity to the drugs or detect resistance patterns), ensure adequate infection control in facilities where patients are treated and ensure appropriate use of recommended second-line drugs,” she stated.
