multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB)

Multi-drug Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a serious form of tuberculosis that does not respond to the standard treatments typically used to combat the disease. This resistance arises when TB bacteria mutate due to improper use of antibiotics, such as incomplete treatment or misuse. MDR-TB can spread from person to person and requires longer, more complex treatments that can be less effective and have more side effects. It poses a significant public health challenge, as it complicates efforts to control tuberculosis and can lead to higher healthcare costs and increased mortality rates.