Drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) occurs when TB bacteria continue to grow even in the presence of one or more anti-TB medicines. This makes the infection harder to treat and requires special care. DR-TB is a serious public health concern in Uganda because it can spread to others and is more difficult to cure than regular TB.
If you or a family member may have drug-resistant TB, Hope Plus can quickly connect you to a licensed healthcare provider. Through Hope Plus, you can get guidance on testing, treatment options, and the nearest MDR-TB treatment centre.
Key Takeaways
- DR-TB occurs when TB bacteria become resistant to standard TB medicines.
- The main cause is incomplete or inadequate TB treatment.
- People at higher risk include those who had previous TB treatment, frequent treatment interruptions, or contact with someone with DR-TB.
- Diagnosis requires rapid drug susceptibility testing, often using GeneXpert or other specialized tests.
- Treatment is more intensive and should be done at designated MDR-TB centres.
Causes of Drug-Resistant TB
Drug-resistant TB develops mainly due to incomplete or improper TB treatment. This allows TB bacteria to mutate and survive standard medications. Other contributing factors include:
- Stopping TB medicine before the full course is completed
- Incorrect doses or inadequate TB treatment
- Recurrent TB infections (relapse or treatment failure)
Who is at Risk?
Children and adults are at risk if they:
- Have been in contact with someone with known DR-TB
- Are undergoing retreatment after relapse, treatment failure, or lost follow-up
- Frequently interrupt TB treatment
- Remain sputum-positive after 2–3 months of first-line TB treatment
Diagnosis of DR-TB
Healthcare providers screen patients suspected of having drug-resistant TB using rapid drug susceptibility tests (DST), such as:
- GeneXpert MTB/RIF
- Truenat
Additional testing with culture and DST helps confirm drug resistance and guide treatment.
Treatment and Management
Patients diagnosed with drug-resistant TB are referred to specialised MDR-TB treatment centres. Treatment is longer, more intensive, and carefully monitored. Completing the full course of medication is crucial to cure the infection and prevent further resistance.
Prevention
- Complete the full course of TB treatment as prescribed
- Avoid interruptions or missed doses of TB medicine
- Reduce exposure to people known to have DR-TB
- Regular follow-up with healthcare providers to monitor response to treatment
FAQ About Drug-Resistant TB
1. What makes TB become drug-resistant?
Incomplete or incorrect treatment allows TB bacteria to survive and become resistant to medicines.
2. Who is more likely to get DR-TB?
People who had previous TB treatment, frequently interrupted treatment, or were in contact with someone with DR-TB.
3. How is DR-TB diagnosed?
Rapid tests like GeneXpert or Truenat detect resistance to TB medicines, often confirmed with culture and drug susceptibility testing.
4. Can DR-TB be cured?
Yes, with proper treatment at a specialised MDR-TB centre, though the treatment is longer and more intensive.
5. Can DR-TB spread to others?
Yes, DR-TB is contagious, especially from people with active pulmonary TB.
6. How long does treatment take?
Treatment is usually much longer than standard TB therapy and requires close monitoring by healthcare providers.
7. How can I prevent DR-TB?
Always complete TB treatment as prescribed, avoid skipping doses, and maintain follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider.
