There are times when TB germs are “resistant” to one or more of the TB medicines most often prescribed by doctors. This means that the medicines are not able to kill the TB germs. Drug-resistant TB can develop if people with active TB take their medicine incorrectly, or if they have not been given the right dosages of TB medicines. When this happens, combinations of other (second line) TB medicines have to be given to the patient. These medicines are not as effective and have to be taken much longer.
A person with untreated drug-resistant TB of the lungs or throat can spread drug-resistant germs to other people. Drug-resistant TB can take much longer to cure than regular TB.
FOR MORE INFO: http://www.searo.who.int/en/Section10/Section2097/Section2106_10677.htm#TB_disease_treated
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