Drug resistant tuberculosis in children

Abstract

Drug resistant tuberculosis is rare in children but the prevalence is likely to increase with rising rates of drug-resistant tuberculosis in adults. Primary drug resistance where the child acquires infection with a resistant organism is more common than secondary/acquired resistance. When resistance occurs to isoniazid alone, treatment with rifampicin, ethambutol and pyrazinamide with or without an aminoglycoside, is usually successful. However, when Multi Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (MDRTB) occurs (resistance to isoniazid and rifampicin with or without resistance to other drugs), treatment is more complicated, toxic and less likely to be successful. Outcome of MDRTB is poor. Surgery may occasionally be required. Prevention of drug resistant TB in children by proper identification and treatment of disease in adult is better.