Is MDR-TB different from normal TB?

There are similarities and differences between MDR-TB and normal TB. See table below for some of the differences.

Please note: MDR-TB symptoms are the same as those for normal TB.MDR-TB can only be confirmed by the laboratory tests not the symptoms.

Disclaimer: Information given in this leaflet regarding Multi-Drug Resistant TB is intended to give general information about the subject. It is not intended as a substitute for the knowledge, expertise, skill, and judgement of your TB nurse or other health - care professionals.

Please note: The above contents is drawn from leaflets produced by TBAlert (UK, CDC (USA) and DoH/ CDC/MRC (RSA). URCURC

D e p a r t m e n t o f H e a l t h

USAIDFROM THE AMERICAN PEOPLE

This leaflet was adapted by TASC II TB project of URC,

supported by a grant from USAID. TASC II TB provides

technical assistance to the South African National TB

Control Programme to achieve the WHO global TB targets

and promote integration between the TB and HIV

programs.

For more information contact:

Your local clinic

URC at TBinfo@urc-sa.com

The National TB Control Programme at (012) 312 0106

MDR-TB Normal TB

Develops when TB germsbecome resistant to the twomost powerful medicinesnormally used to treat TB

Tests to confirm MDR-TB takeup to 3 months

MDR-TB treatment takes up to2 years

A person with MDR-TB isinfectious for a longer periodeven if on treatment

MDR-TB treatment is besttreated by admission in the hospital for at least the firstfour to six months.

It is not resistant and respondswell to the two most powerfulmedicines used to treatnormal TB.

Tests to confirm normal TB can be completed in a few hours.

Normal TB treatment is at leastsix months.

A person with normal TB who istaking treatment as prescribedstops being infectious after afew weeks of starting treatment.But this does not mean theperson is cured. Treatmentshould be taken for theprescribed period, which is atleast six months.

Normal TB treatment does notrequire hospitalisation.

What is Multi-Drug Resistant TB (MDR-TB)?

MDR-TB develops when TB germs become resistant to the two most powerful medicines normally used to treat TB. This means that these medicines will not work effectively as they can no longer kill the TB germ.

What are the symptoms of MDR-TB disease?

Your symptoms depend on where in your body the germs are growing.

TB germs usually grow in the lungs. TB in the lungs may cause:

• a bad cough that lasts longer than 2 weeks• pain in the chest• coughing up blood

Other symptoms are:

• weakness or fatigue• weight loss• no appetite• chills• fever• sweating at night

When is it suspected that someone has MDR-TB?

MDR -TB is suspected in anyone with normal TB who is not improving while on TB treatment. The tests to confirm MDR-TB may take up to 3 months to be complete.

Why do people get MDR-TB?

Often, people who take TB treatment the first time start feeling better after a few weeks, and stop taking medicines. But not all the germs have been killed at this time, and since the germs have not got used to the medicines in the past, they are able to fight and start multiplying again. This is the most important reason that people get MDR-TB. So it is very important not to stop taking medicines until the doctor or health worker tells you that you have been cured.

Previous treatments may have been inadequate for other reasons, for example if the patient can not fully absorb the medicines due to vomiting or other sickness.

It is also possible to get MDR-TB from the start because the person the infection was caught from had drug resistant TB.

Is MDR-TB infectious?

Yes. The medicines used against MDR-TB are less effective and have to be taken for much longer. A person with MDR-TB is therefore infectious for longer that a person with normal TB which is curable with the usual drugs.

How is MDR-TB Spread?

MDR-TB germs are put into the air when a person with MDR-TB of the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings. These germs can float in the air for several hours, depending on the environment. Persons who breathe in the air containing these TB germs can become infected.

MDR TB is not spread by:

• shaking someone's hand

• sharing food or drink• touching bed linens or toilet seats• sharing toothbrushes• kissing• smoking or sharing cigarettes

If I have normal TB, how can I prevent getting MDR-TB?

The most important thing is for you to continue taking all your TB treatment exactly as prescribed. No doses should be missed and treatment should not be stopped early. You should tell your health care provider if you are having trouble taking the medications.

If you plan to travel, talk with your health care provider, and make sure you have enough medicine to last while away.

Can MDR-TB be treated and cured?

Yes. MDR-TB is treatable and curable only if treatment is taken as prescribed. A successful outcome is also dependent on how soon the MDR-TB diagnosis was made and treatment was commenced.

How long will I take MDR-TB treatment?

Treatment for MDR-TB can take up to 2 years. This is because the medicines used for treating MDR-TB are less effective than the medicines used for treating normal TB. More pills and a longer time are necessary to kill all the MDR-TB germs otherwise the MDR-TB can return.

Note: The first few months of treatment are crucial for

cure. One will be hospitalized for 4 to 6 months

depending on how well they respond to treatment.