Diagnosis and Treatment of Drug-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Dear Colleagues,

Drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis poses a significant challenge to the global healthcare systems. This Special Issue aims to explore and present the latest advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of this infectious disease.

With over 1.5 million death per year, tuberculosis (TB) is the second-most dangerous infectious diseases worldwide, after COVID-19. With the emergence of drug-resistant strains, such as multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB), the management and control of TB become even more complex.

The accurate and timely diagnosis of drug-resistant TB is crucial for the effective treatment and prevention of further transmission. While culture and phenotypic sensitivity testing is unsuitable in most countries, alternative diagnostic tools and techniques have been developed, including molecular tests, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and whole-genome sequencing. Additionally, advances in radiological imaging and biomarker identification have improved our ability to detect and characterize drug-resistant TB infections.

The treatment of drug-resistant TB requires a tailored approach, typically involving a combination of multiple antibiotics for an extended duration. This Special Issue will explore the latest research on drug regimens, treatment outcomes, and strategies to improve treatment adherence and patient outcomes. Additionally, this Special Issue will examine novel therapies and interventions, such as host-directed therapy and immunotherapy, to enhance treatment efficacy.

In conclusion, this Special Issue on the diagnosis and treatment of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge in this field. By highlighting the latest research findings and exploring innovative approaches, we hope to contribute to the advancement of strategies for controlling and eliminating drug-resistant TB on the global scale.

Dr. Alberto Matteelli
Guest Editor

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• tuberculosis
• multidrug-resistant tuberculosis
• research
• diagnostic tests
• drugs
• treatment