TB

What is Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis?
Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the bacteria that causes tuberculosis, an infectious respiratory disease which is commonly seen in the lungs. Coughing, sneezing or even talking, may cause tiny droplets from the infected person to become airborne. Continuous exposure and inhalation of these tiny droplets can cause a person to acquire an MDR-TB infection.
MDR-TB no longer reacts to certain antibiotics that would normally be used to treat a tuberculosis infection. Bacteria resistance to the antibiotics Ritampicin and Isoniazid, have made these drugs ineffective as treatments. Other drugs used in combination with one or both of these antibiotics may increase the bacteria's tolerance level.

Risk Factors
Individuals with decreased immune systems such as the elderly, young children and HIV carriers are more susceptible to infection. Environments such as hospitals, nursing homes and shelters are high risk locations, due to the close contact these individuals have with one another. People previously diagnosed with TB who have taken treatments over long periods of time are at a high risk of becoming MDR-TB.

Treatment for MDR-TB
When diagnosed the patient will automatically be given Isoniazid and Rifampicin along with up to four other TB treatment drugs they have never been previously exposed to. With the use of these drugs the cure rate is less than 70% successful. If a patient has not improved with the use of drugs an alternate treatment would be a lobectomy (removal of a lobe from the lung). This procedure can only be performed if the bacteria is only present in one or two lobes.

Prevention of MDR-TB
The following precautions should be taken when dealing with MDR-TB patients.
     *Proper handwashing before and after patient contact
     *Sterilization of objects that come in contact with the patient
     *Wearing protective clothing such as a gown, gloves and a mask
     *Avoid body fluids
     *Isolate the patient
     *Wash laundry separately
     *Dispose of waste products in a separate container