Drug Discov Ther. 2022;16(2):52-54. (DOI: 10.5582/ddt.2022.01029)

Challenges in the screening and treatment of latent multidrug-resistant tuberculosis infection

Deng GF, Zhang PZ, Lu HZ


SUMMARY

Individuals in close contact with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) patients are subject to an elevated risk of infection, and may develop latent MDR-TB infection. Numerous studies have described latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) as a reservoir of new TB disease. The screening and treatment of latent MDR-TB infection are challenging. Hereby, we reviewed the epidemiology, current management and prevention approach of LTBI in MDR-TB close contacts, to provide additional information for future research direction and policy design formulation to reduce the LTBI reservoir.


KEYWORDS: multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, latent tuberculosis infection, close contact, diagnosis, treatment

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