Guidelines for the programmatic management of drug-resistant tuberculosis

These new guidelines on the programmatic management of drug-resistant tuberculosis represent the best current knowledge in the management of drug-resistant TB and MDR-TB, and offer ample options to tailor diagnosis and care to different epidemiological and programmatic conditions worldwide. The recommendations, compiled by leading experts in the subject, should be followed without hesitation by all national programs and their partners as the most solid programmatic standards. At the same time, it is imperative to stress that the five elements of the DOTS strategy remain the cornerstone of TB control, and the most effective tool to prevent the onset and dissemination of drug resistance. Without the essential elements of TB control fully in place, management of MDR-TB will undoubtedly fail in the long term. These guidelines focus on care for MDR-TB patients, in the hope and expectation that, in future, the occurrence of massive numbers of cases can be prevented through sound TB control practices.--Publisher's description.