Guidelines for the Programmatic Management of Drug-resistant Tuberculosis (Paperback)

The emergence of resistance to drugs used to treat tuberculosis (TB), particularly multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), has become a significant public health problem in some countries, whilst in many others the extent of the problem is unknown. These guidelines set out updated recommendations for TB control programmes in low and middle income countries based on the best current knowledge in the management of MDR-TB. The guidelines are based on a flexible framework approach which can be adapted to suit diverse local circumstances. The DOTS strategy remains the most effective tool to prevent the onset and dissemination of drug resistance, and these guidelines focus on care for MDR-TB patients, in the hope and expectation that, in future, the occurrence of massive numbers of cases can be prevented through sound TB control practices.