Cases of
Extensively Drug-Resistant TB Decline in US
[Posted 11/14/2008]
A study published in the November 12 issue of the
Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)
reveals that the number of Extensively
Drug-Resistant TB (XDR-TB) cases in the United
States has decreased dramatically in the past 15
years.
XDR-TB is a relatively rare type of
Multidrug-Resistant TB (MDR-TB). The fact that it is
resistant to standard first- and second-line TB
drugs limits treatment options and outcomes. It is
of special concern for people with compromised
immune systems, such as HIV patients.
Researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention analyzed surveillance data from 1993 to
2007 to reach their conclusion. There were only two
cases of XDR-TB reported in the US in 2007.
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