Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR TB)
and Possible Effective Treatments

MDR TB occurs when a Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain is resistant to isoniazid and rifampin, two of the most powerful first-line drugs. To cure MDR TB, healthcare providers must turn to a combination of second-line drugs, several of which are shown here. Second line drugs may have more side effects, the treatment may last much longer, and the cost may be up to 100 times more than first-line therapy. MDR TB strains can also grow resistant to second-line drugs, further complicating treatment.

Scientific Illustrations of Drug-Resistant TB

First-Line Treatment of Tuberculosis (TB) for Drug-Sensitive TB
Multidrug-Resistant TB (MDR TB) and Possible Effective Treatments
Extensively Drug-Resistant TB (XDR TB), Diminishing Options for Treatment
New TB Drugs Under Development

Learn More

TB Definitions
Drug-Resistant TB—A Visual Tour
TB Home Page

Photo Credit: The photo of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC/ Dr. Ray Butler; Janice Carr.
Illustration Credit: This illustration is in the public domain. Please credit the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).
Illustrator: Krista Townsend