Prevention of Drug Resistance

There are five principal ways to prevent Drug-resistant Tuberculosis (DR-TB), as given in the figure below.

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 Figure: Five Principal Ways to Prevent DR-TB; Source: Guideline for PMDT in India, 2021.

• Drug resistance cannot be prevented by mere diagnosis and treatment of DR-TB.
• Basic TB diagnostic and treatment services should receive priority for the prevention of drug resistance.
• Systems for early detection and treatment of DR-TB should be integrated into the existing TB services and the general health system.
• Healthcare facilities and congregate settings should be provided with proper infection control measures.
• Transmission should be prevented by addressing non-specific determinants like access to care, comorbidities and awareness.

Resources

• Guidelines for PMDT in India, 2021.
• Companion Handbook to the WHO Guidelines for the Programmatic Management of Drug-resistant Tuberculosis.

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