Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB): Specialist Diagnosis & Treatment
A clear guide to drug-resistant TB, covering diagnosis, the longer specialist treatment course and follow-up care.
Treatment usually begins with
Pulmonologist Assessment
Drug Susceptibility Testing
Extended Combination Therapy
Directly Observed Treatment
Treatment uses a longer combination of specialised medications, guided by drug susceptibility testing and closely monitored throughout.
You may need this evaluated if...
An evaluation for drug-resistant TB is recommended when:
- TB symptoms continue despite standard treatment
- Previous TB treatment was incomplete or interrupted
- Close contact with a known drug-resistant TB case
- TB recurring after previously completed treatment
Drug-resistant TB is treatable with the right specialist protocol, though it needs a longer, closely supervised course than standard TB.
What is Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB)?
Drug-resistant tuberculosis is a form of TB that doesn't respond to one or more of the standard first-line medications, requiring a longer, more specialised treatment regimen under close supervision.
Needs Specialist Management
Requires a tailored regimen based on exact drug resistance patterns.
Longer Treatment Course
Treatment typically takes longer than standard TB therapy.
Closely Monitored
Regular follow-up ensures the regimen is working and side effects are managed.
Curable with Adherence
Completing the full course under supervision leads to cure in most cases.
Common Symptoms
- Persistent cough lasting more than two weeks
- Fever and night sweats
- Unexplained weight loss
- Coughing up blood
- Fatigue and loss of appetite
What Increases Your Risk
A combination of medical, environmental and lifestyle factors can increase the likelihood of this condition.
How It Is Diagnosed
A structured assessment confirms the diagnosis and helps guide the right treatment plan.
Sputum Testing (GeneXpert/Culture)
Confirms TB and detects resistance to key medications.
Drug Susceptibility Testing
Identifies exactly which medications the TB strain will respond to.
Chest X-Ray or CT Scan
Assesses the extent of lung involvement.
Follow-up Sputum Testing
Tracks response to treatment over time.
Treatment Approaches
Medical Care
- Extended combination drug therapy tailored to resistance pattern
- Directly observed treatment for adherence support
- Nutritional support during treatment
- Monitoring and management of medication side effects
Procedural Care
Surgery is considered in select, localised cases that don't respond adequately to the full course of medical therapy.
Treatment decisions are based on symptoms, test results, lung function and overall health, not a single test.
Know When to Act
Recognising these signs early and acting promptly is important for the best outcome.
Book an Assessment
Schedule a consultation for a routine evaluation or ongoing symptoms.
- TB symptoms not improving on current treatment
- History of incomplete TB treatment
Seek Urgent Care
Call for emergency care immediately if you notice any of the following.
- Coughing up significant amounts of blood
- Severe breathlessness
Not Sure What You Need?
Speak to a Care Guide and we'll help you choose the right pulmonologist.
Talk to Care GuideA care guide can match your condition to the right pulmonologist.
Share your concern or existing reports. We will help you choose the right hospital, doctor and appointment.
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