TB (Tuberculosis) resistance is primarily caused by the improper use of anti-TB drugs.
Here's a breakdown of the factors that lead to drug-resistant TB:
- Inappropriate or Incorrect Use of TB Drugs: This is a major contributor. When TB drugs are not taken correctly, consistently, or for the prescribed duration, the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis can develop resistance.
- Use of Ineffective Formulations: The use of substandard or fake drugs, or drugs that have been improperly stored, can also lead to resistance. If the drug doesn't contain the correct dosage or has degraded, it won't effectively kill the TB bacteria.
- Premature Treatment Interruption: Stopping TB treatment too early allows the surviving bacteria, which may already possess some level of resistance, to multiply and spread.
These factors often combine to create a situation where drug-resistant TB emerges and spreads, particularly in environments like prisons, where close contact facilitates transmission. The original source clearly highlights that "inappropriate or incorrect use of TB drugs, use of ineffective formulations of drugs (such as the use of single drugs, poor quality medicines or bad storage conditions), and premature treatment interruption can cause drug resistance, which can then be transmitted, especially in crowded settings such as prisons".
Here's a table summarizing the causes:
| Cause | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Incorrect Drug Use | Not taking medication as prescribed (dosage, timing, duration). |
| Ineffective Formulations | Using poor quality, fake, or improperly stored drugs. |
| Premature Treatment Interruption | Stopping treatment before the full course is completed. |
