MDR/XDRTB: What are the New Treatment Options?

Concerns are increasing that the drugs we have used to treat this chronic pulmonary infection will cease to work because of development of resistance, raising the threat of untreatable disease. This review explains the molecular and clinical basis of resistance. The current best practice for the treatment of multi-drug resistance is described. There are a number of new drugs and regimens currently under investigation and these are described. The importance of improved case finding, diagnosis and early treatment are emphasised.